Rafael Nadal sizzles to breeze past Lorenzo Sonego and ignite Wimbledon bid

It was worth the wait as Rafael Nadal finally discovered his scintillating best to thrill Wimbledon on Saturday evening. But a breathtaking display, discarding Lorenzo Sonego (6-1, 6-2, 7-6) in a little over two hours, ended with simmering tension between the players. A blushing Nadal swiftly played down any lingering animosity towards the Italian, refuting claims of a “spicy” edge to the match and conceding he was “sorry if I bothered him”.

But the momentary fallout should not cloud what was a statement victory and enough to spark excitement at an epic final with favourite Novak Djokovic. The Serbian’s form has been ominous, but Nadal has well and truly shaken off the rust. Indeed, he has been quick to emphasise his three-year absence from SW19 after each round, conscious of the challenge to adjust.

This was a more ruthless Nadal, banishing any lingering concerns after being made to work over four sets against RiÄardas Berankis in the last round. Here he capitalised on Sonego’s nerves as he graced perhaps the most daunting of stages in this sport.

A breathless pace established and a first set in just 28 minutes, Sonego, looking to match a career-best fourth round at SW19 achieved last year, was quickly forced to dig deep into his box of tricks. Out came the tweener as Nadal found his touch with the lob. But the Spaniard wouldn’t let up and after saving one breakpoint early in the second, a moment of brilliance from the 22-time Grand Slam champion arrived: a trademark whipped forehand cross court passed the onrushing Sonego at the net.

A first game of the second for the 27th seed arrived at 4-0, with the Centre Court crowd showing pity with a chorus of “Forza Lorenzo” reverberating around the court. Pure relief was