An ongoing appendix problem did not affect Spanish former world No. 1 Rafael Nadal as he breezed through 6-2, 6-2 in his first round match with Italian journeyman Simone Bolelli at the Swiss Indoors on Monday.
The 28-year-old Spaniard — who has been on a 10-day antibiotic regime for an appendix that will have to be removed in the coming weeks — recorded his first victory in three visits to Basel in just 71 minutes, breaking Bolelli four times.
He next faces France’s Pierre-Hugues Herbert, who defeated Frenchman Eduard Roger-Vasselin 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/3).
Photo: AFP
Nadal had been unsure of taking to the court as a result of his medical worries and he said that getting through in good form was a huge relief.
“I had some doubts with myself that I would be able to compete well,” said Nadal, who is seeded second in the event behind five-time champion and home hero Roger Federer. “Today was a very positive victory for me.”
“I’m very happy for what happened,” he said. “With my [summer-long] wrist injury and now the appendix, it’s not been a great season. This was a dangerous match for me and I won it.”
“When you are 10 days on antibiotics, the body goes down some, you feel a little scared on how you will play,” he said. “But I’m happy with my performance today, I’m looking forward to playing the next round on Wednesday [today].”
Nadal began against Bolelli, a 77th-ranked qualifier by winning a seven-minute opening game before settling into his familiar match rhythm.
He broke twice to claim the first set in 31 minutes and earned a break in the second for 4-2 on the way to victory over the 29-year-old.
Nadal, who despite his fitness problems has won four titles this year, including his ninth French Open crown, is amazed that it has been a decade since his last Basel appearance.
“Ten years without being here, that’s a long time. But finally I’m here,” he said. “I was really sorry not be able to come here last year [because of fatigue], but I’m happy to be here now.”
“And I’m really happy to get my first Basel win,” added Nadal, who lost to Feliciano Lopez in 2003 and Rainer Schuettler a year later.
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