Rafael Nadal in Rome -

SIPA

Spaniard Rafael Nadal made a successful return to competition, easily dominating his compatriot Pablo Carreno 6-1, 6-1 on Wednesday in the second round of the Masters 1000 in Rome, for his first official match in more than six months.

Less than two weeks before Roland-Garros, exceptionally rescheduled in the fall, the world No. 2 left only crumbs for the semi-finalist of the US Open (18th world).

“It's a very positive comeback, I played a solid game.

Pablo was of course probably a little tired from his very good tournament in New York, but for my part, I was solid, I made a very serious match, ”underlined“ Rafa ”at a press conference.

In view of Roland-Garros, where he will aim for a 13th coronation, "of course there are still things to improve", he admitted, insisting on the need to spend "hours in competitive matches" d 'Paris here.

Ready for Roland

Pointing to the “madness” of the schedule of resumption after the months of hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, with back-to-back the US Open (which ended on Sunday) and Roland-Garros (from September 27), each preceded by a Masters 1000 (Cincinnati and Rome), Rafael Nadal had given up on the American mini-tour.

His last official match was in the final won at the tournament in Acapulco (Mexico) at the end of February.

As to whether the players who have made the American tour necessarily leave at a disadvantage in view of Roland-Garros?

" No, I do not think so.

If Roland Garros was this week, yes, maybe.

But with Roland Garros in two weeks, no, ”assured the Spaniard.

On Wednesday night, Carreno only believed in the first game, in which Nadal allowed himself a double fault and offered a break point.

But it was the only one conceded (and saved) by the Mallorcan, who took less than ten minutes to regain his good habits, with great aggressiveness in service and defense.

In the third round, Nadal will meet the Canadian Milos Raonic, seeded N.13, or the Serbian Dusan Lajovic.

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