"I need to build again after a tough stop and that's what I'm trying to with the right attitude" - Rafael Nadal after 2R win at the Italian Open

Rafael Nadal overcame John Isner in his opening match at the 2022 Italian Open on Wednesday. The Spaniard was troubled at the start of the match but raised his level when he needed to secure a comfortable straight-sets win.

Denis Shapovalov awaits the defending champion in the third round. The duo contested a tight three-setter last year, with Shapovalov coming close to beating the Spaniard.

When asked about last year's match in his post-match interview, Nadal said he got "super lucky."

"Super lucky, I know how dangerous he is, I need to play better than today, but, you know, after a while without being on court, it's another victory, and now tomorrow again is a chance again to play against one of the best players in the world, another good test, let's see, I need to build again after a tough stop and that's what I'm trying to stay with the right attitude and let's see if I'm able to make that happen."

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"The beginning of the match it wasn't good for me" - Rafael Nadal reflects on win against John Isner

Rafael Nadal in action against John Isner in Rome

The 21-time Grand Slam champion beat Isner in straight sets, dropping just four games in the entirety of the match. In the post-match interview, Nadal highlighted the importance of taking the first set against a big-server like Isner.

"Well, I finished better without a doubt than I started. The beginning of the match it wasn't good for me. I was on his hands in that moment, lucky that he missed that couple of shots then I was able to have the break and then the match changed. With the first set in the pocket and having the break in the first game of the second, everything changed."

Rafael Nadal was also asked if he sensed the disappointment in John Isner's face early on in the first set and if that led to him stamping his authority in the match. The Spaniard responded by saying his focus was only on his own game.

"I don't know, I just focus on myself. I just focus on try to keep going. I knew I had to do things better than what I did doing. And I'm gonna practice to try to do it better and better."