Rafael Nadal has reached the second round of the French Open after overcoming a spirited Simone Bolelli in a match that was delayed overnight by rainfall.
Although the Italian lost the contest in straight sets 6-4 6-3 7-6, he gave the King of Clay a few scares along the way.
Nadal was forced to come back from a break down in both the second and third sets.
The Spaniard found himself trailing 3-0 in the final set and fought off multiple set points, eventually forcing a tie-break and edging it 11-9.
Nadal wrapped up the winning point at the third time of asking on Bolelli's serve when his opponent sent a forehand smash into the net.
Written by
Mark Langshaw
Mark Langshaw
