Rafael Nadal defeats John Isner to keep incredible clay court record

Rafael Nadal defeats John Isner at Italian Open to keep incredible clay court record alive

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RAFAEL NADAL bounced back from his loss to Carlos Alcaraz and got off to a winning start in Rome.

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Rafael Nadal is through to the third-round in Rome after beating John Isner 6-3 6-1 in 76 minutes.

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The world No 4 suffered defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in Madrid last week but managed to bounce back with a win, meaning he has still never lost back-to-back matches on the clay during his career in an incredible record.

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The first set was neck-and-neck until 3-3, when Isner set up two break point chances but blew them with errors as the 10-time champion managed to hold on for 4-3

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Nadal closed out a 6-3 set and carried his momentum into the second set, immediately breaking the Isner serve in the first game.

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