For a brief stretch on Thursday, Rafael Nadal looked every bit of a weary 37-year-old player nearing retirement.

On the Central Court of the Foro Italico, in front of the stands packed with fans, Rafael Nadal beat Zizou Bergs, the 24-year-old Belgian ranked number 108, with a score of 4-6 6-3 6-4. The Spanish champion's journey to the Internazionali BNL d'Italia opened with a real battle.

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal bounced back from a sluggish start to prevail over Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in his first-round match at the Italian Open. Nadal lost five of the last six games,

Rafael Nadal continues his French Open preparation as he comes from a set down to win in the opening round of the Italian Open.

Ten-time champion Rafa Nadal overcame losing the opening set to defeat Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs 4-6 6-3 6-4 and reach the Italian Open second round in Rome on Thursday, as the Spaniard's steady progress continued.

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic believes there's no bigger challenge than facing Rafa Nadal at the French Open.

Rafael Nadal battles to impressive comeback win at Italian Open - The 22-time grand slam champion came from a set down to beat Zizou Bergs 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in Rome

Ten-time champion Rafa Nadal overcame losing the opening set to defeat Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs 4-6 6-3 6-4 and reach the Italian Open second round in Rome on Thursday, as the Spaniard's steady progress continued.

Rafael Nadal says he is happy with the way his body feels ahead of his Rome Masters campaign.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, who will be seeking his first trophy of the year, discussed the possibility of Rafael Nadal making his final participation at the French Open 2024 and said facing the Spaniard in Roland-Garros is "really a paramount challenge.