Nadal sees off Shapovalov threat in Rome

Seven-time champion Rafael Nadal beat Denis Shapovalov in a 6-4 6-1 win to reach the Internazionali BNL d’Italia quarterfinals and gain a measure of revenge against the Canadian.

The teenager saved eight break points in his opening two service games before finally dropping serve midway through the first set in Rome on Thursday.

“He was really serving big and I had some mistakes with the return,” Nadal said. “It was not a comfortable match against a lefty who serves big and goes for his shots.

“He’s good in all aspects. The only thing he needs is a little bit more time.”

Into the #ibi18 last 8 goes 7-time champion @RafaelNadal ????

The ???? of clay prevails 6-4 6-1 to improve to 53-6 lifetime at Rome. pic.twitter.com/VzSbG2Sbts

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 17, 2018

Shapovalov, who is ranked a career-high No.29 this week, stunned Nadal in the third round in Montreal last year to deny the Spaniard a chance at regaining the No.1 ranking.

Nadal has another chance to regain the top spot this week and will replace Roger Federer at No.1 if he wins an eighth Rome title.

Nadal, who has not won the Italian Open since 2013, will next face Fabio Fognini, who beat Peter Gojowczyk 6-4 6-4 to reach his first quarterfinal in 11 appearances at his home tournament.

Novak Djokovic progressed with a 6-1 7-5 victory over Albert Ramos-Vinolas to face Japan’s Kei Nishikori, who dismissed German Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-1 6-2.

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“I think this was probably one of the three matches that I played this way in the past 12 months,” said Djokovic, a four-time champion in Rome.

“So, it felt good. And it came at the right time in the place where I love to play, where I get a lot of support.

“I feel like each match is getting better. So, hopefully, it’s going to continue in this direction.”

Fourth seed Marin Cilic accounted for Frenchman Benoit Paire 6-3 6-4, while British No.1 Kyle Edmund was valiant in defeat to second seed Alexander Zverev, falling 7-5 7-6 (11).

Zverev next faces ninth seed David Goffin, who was leading 6-2 4-5 when Juan Martin del Potro retired because of a groin injury.

Cilic faces 10th seed Pablo Carreno Busta, who beat Aljaz Bedene 6-4 6-7 (7-3) 6-2.