Rafael Nadal breezes past John Isner to set up 'dangerous' Denis Shapovalov rematch at Italian Open in Rome

Rafael Nadal is safely through to the third round of the Italian Open after beating John Isner 6-3 6-1. After Isner squandered the opportunity to break midway in the seventh game, Nadal took control of the match and was able to comfortably breeze past the American in one hour and 16 minutes. Ad/> Nadal will play Shapovalov next in a repeat of their last-16 encounter last year which the Spaniard won in a thrilling three-setter, coming back from a set down and saving match points.

Roland-GarrosDjokovic 'best in the world' says Alcaraz despite Zverev commentsYESTERDAY AT 12:15 «I finished better than I started [against Isner] without a doubt,» the 21-time Grand Slam singles champion said afterwards in his on-court interview. «At the beginning of the match I think I was not good for me. Even he had some chances on the return.

Two break points and two not difficult balls. »I was in his hands at that moment. Lucky he missed those couple of shots then I was able to hold the break.

«The match then changed with the first set in the pocket and with the first break of the second everything changed.» /> On his match against Shapovalov, he said: «Last year [in Rome] was a joke. The match I saved against him I was super lucky. I know how dangerous he is and I need to play better than today.

»After a while without being on court it's another victory. Now tomorrow is a chance to play against one of the best players in the world and another good test. «I need to build again the things after a tough stop.

That is what I am trying. To stay with the right attitude. Let's see if I am able to make it happen.» Raducanu vows to return only when her back is 'fully right' Jannik Sinner — 'I would like to be Roger Federer for a day' — Players'