Rafael Nadal has advanced to his first final since claiming the 2022 French Open title, overcoming Croatian qualifier Duje Ajdukovic in a hard-fought three-set match in Bastad on Saturday.
Following his grueling four-hour quarter-final win, the 22-time Grand Slam champion faced another stern challenge from Ajdukovic, ranked 130th in the world and with only two tour-level victories prior to this week. Nadal rallied from losing the first set to secure a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory, marking his return to the final of a tournament he last won in 2005 as a teenager.
On Sunday, Nadal will compete against either Portuguese seventh seed Nuno Borges or Argentina's Thiago Agustin Tirante, aiming for his 93rd singles title. His latest victory was at Roland Garros two years ago, where he extended his record to 14 titles. Nadal is utilizing the Bastad event as preparation for the Paris Olympics, where tennis will be contested on the clay courts of Roland Garros.
The 38-year-old made his comeback this week after being eliminated in the first round of the French Open in May. Additionally, he is scheduled to play in the doubles later on Saturday, partnering with Casper Ruud.
