Nadal wins shooting but loses to Aliassime in Hurlingham

MADRID, 24 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Spanish tennis player Rafa Nadal lost this Friday to Canadian Felix Auger Aliassime 7-6(6), 4-6, 10-3 in his second match at the exhibition in Hurlingham (London), a defeat that did not prevent the Balearic pick up the pace on grass overlooking Wimbledon.

The champion of 22 'Grand Slams' refines his set-up in the midst of high-level training, like the day before at the Central of the All England Tennis Club. The change from clay, where he won his 14th Roland Garros last month, to grass leads to his adaptation and Nadal meets his deadlines pending his last operation on his foot.

The man from Manacor had to undergo a new treatment after Paris to alleviate some pain that, despite living with them throughout his career, worsened on the dirt tour. The foot responds and Nadal is gaining minutes on grass, although an inspired Aliassime won the duel between the two this Friday.

After beating Stan Wawrinka two days ago at Hurlingham, Nadal relented in his second friendly and exhibition match. The first set was under control by both with the serve until the Spaniard neglected it in the 'tie-break'. The Spaniard reacted with more forehand in the second set to level the match.

The 'supertiebreak' decided the duel with a Nadal less dedicated to the cause, risking more while the Canadian, pupil of Toni Nadal, once again displayed an accurate service. Aliassime could be the Spaniard's rival in the Wimbledon quarterfinals, after the draw for the English Open held this Friday.

The champion this year in Australia and Paris is going for the third leg of the 2022 'Grand Slam' and will debut on Tuesday in London against the Argentine Francisco Cerúndolo.