'How did Rafael Nadal win that point?!' - Legend's 'amazing' play bewilders opponent in French Open clash

Rafael Nadal's defensive play is legendary, and the Spaniard demonstrated why once more during his first-round match against Jordan Thompson at the 2022 French Open. The 21-time Grand Slam singles champion, who has a staggering 13 titles at Roland-Garros to his name, was in imperious form on Court Philippe Chatrier on Monday as he wore down the Australian time and again.

Ad/> Nadal produced his usual stunning array of groundstrokes and indefatigable play at his second home on the red dirt in Paris. But no point better encapsulated what makes him so special on the surface than one which left Thompson draped over the net in disbelief and exhaustion.

/> Roland-Garros'Amazing!' — Nadal's defence is unbreakable and Thompson can't believe it at French OpenAN HOUR AGO With a 6-2 2-0 lead already on the board and Thompson serving at 40-30, desperate to survive another game, Nadal produced a quite miraculous set of shots to defend his own side of the court and come away with the point — leaving Thompson utterly incredulous in the process. «Rafa Nadal — amazing!» roared Eurosport commentator Barry Millns.

«Thompson, well, he won't throw in the towel but he might feel as though he wants to because he has been played into submission here. »How did Nadal win that point?!" Annabel Croft added: «How on earth?! If you had freeze-framed some of the shots here, and how far out of position he was, coming back from defensive positions.

The adjustment of the racquet face, just to put the ball in an awkward place. »Even from 40-15 up, still no guarantee of getting through a service game!" 'Only one favourite' — Djokovic's coach Ivanisevic backs Nadal to win French Open 'Alcaraz looks incredible' — McEnroe gives strong verdict on Nadal and