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Below-par Rafael Nadal battles into Wimbledon third round

Rafael Nadal vs Ricardas Berankis, Wimbledon 2022 live: Score and latest updates - REUTERS
Rafael Nadal vs Ricardas Berankis, Wimbledon 2022 live: Score and latest updates - REUTERS
  • Nadal hits 39 unforced errors but triumphs in four sets

  • The Spaniard will play Lorenzo Sonego in the third round

Much to the relief of the Wimbledon organisers, Rafael Nadal marches on towards his 23rd grand slam, after victory over Ricardas Berankis.

It may not have been the relentless Nadal we have grown used to over the years, with his cold-eyed ability to bend the narrative to his will. But he is the current Australian and French Open champion and for all the depredations of time on his physique, the idea he is finished is preposterous. The refined combination of power and delicacy appears to be in full working order. And his influence on his sport remains profound.

Not least sartorially. The 5’9” Berankis was wearing the same headband, the same buttock clinging shorts, the same sweatbands as the Spaniard. He was like Nadal’s mini-me. A capable one at that. Sure, Nadal cruised into a two-set lead. But it was not for want of the Lithuanian trying.

Strong at the net, he had a particularly effective chop of a backhand volley which accrued him half a dozen points. It allowed him to peg back a set and for a moment seem as if he had a chance of overturning all logic and precedent.

It didn’t happen. There is a reason why the highest world ranking Berankis has achieved in his career was 50th back in 2016. These days languishing at 105th, he did not have the armoury to convert hope into reality. Instead, Nadal took control. He broke serve at the first opportunity in the fourth set and then moved in for the kill, his backhand getting harder and faster as he did so. A rain break could only delay the inevitable.

Rafael Nadal vs Ricardas Berankis, Wimbledon 2022 live: Score and latest updates - AP
Rafael Nadal vs Ricardas Berankis, Wimbledon 2022 live: Score and latest updates - AP

Incredibly Nadal has not been in the final at Wimbledon for eleven years. Were he to scrabble through after taking another step forward, he would match Andre Agassi’s record for the lengthiest gap between finals. The calendar year full house of grand slams is still on.


Nadal recovers to reach third round, as it happened


08:20 PM

Nadal gets the job done

Early stages of a grand slam are all about getting through so Nadal will be pleased despite not being at his best.

Next up for him is the talented Italian Lorenzo Sonego.

You can recap the match below.


08:13 PM

The winning run continues...


08:09 PM

Nadal reacts

I need to improve but the fourth set was much better. The serve worked much better at the end of the match and then I was able to play a little bit more aggressive.

At the beginning, there were too many mistakes.


08:01 PM

Nadal 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 Berankis* (*denotes next server)

Berankis return winner, 0-15. Wide Nadal ace, 15-15. Nadal ace down the T, 30-15. Wide Nadal serve unreturned, 40-15.

GAME>SET>MATCH NADAL. Nadal ace to complete victory. Never in doubt.


07:59 PM

Nadal* 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 5-3 Berankis (*denotes next server)

Nadal wants to get the job done now and hits a forehand winner to make it 15-30. But a Berankis ace takes him to 40-30.

Nadal gets a short ball and rifles a forehand winner into the corner, deuce.

Ace from Berankis to hold and Nadal will serve for the match next.


07:53 PM

Nadal 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 5-2 Berankis* (*denotes next server)

Another straight-forward service game for Nadal as he races to 40-0. Berankis hangs though with an overhead winner, 40-15.

Brilliant between the two players, simply sublime. They go toe-to-toe but Berankis has the answers to Nadal's firepower and whips a cross-court backhand into the open court.

But Nadal does get the hold when Berankis' return flies long.


07:46 PM

Nadal* 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 4-2 Berankis (*denotes next server)

Nadal steps in and cracks a forehand down the line which Berankis frames out of court, 0-30. Credit to Berankis, he gathers him again and hits a forehand winner to level the game at 30-30.

Nadal tees off on a Berankis second serve but nets the forehand return. Another return error and Berankis holds.


07:42 PM

Nadal 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 4-1 Berankis* (*denotes next server)

Nadal begins his service game with a double fault. He responds by finding his first serve and moving clear to 40-15.

An ace down the T seals the game and edges him closer to the third round.


07:39 PM

Nadal* 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 3-1 Berankis (*denotes next server)

We restart with Berankis needing one point to win the game.

And he does it with a good wide serve that Nadal fails to get back in play.


07:33 PM

Almost 50 minutes later...

... the players come on court to a huge reception.

They will have a five minutes warm-up and then we will get started again.


07:28 PM

We have some movement...

The ball kids and line judges get a round of applause as they stride onto the court.

We can't be far away from the players coming on now.


07:26 PM

Oh dear...

...the spectators on Centre Court have started a Mexican wave as we wait for some tennis.

Wimbledon - TELEGRAPH
Wimbledon - TELEGRAPH

07:16 PM

Play to resume shortly

Groundspeople are still drying the court but the umpire is back out and the net is up.

Just need the players now.


07:04 PM

The groundsman sweeps the water off the covers

Wimbledon - TELEGRAPH
Wimbledon - TELEGRAPH

06:59 PM

The roof is closing

Therefore the match will finish under the roof.


06:55 PM

Rain delay...

Wimbledon - TELEGRAPH
Wimbledon - TELEGRAPH

06:45 PM

Nadal* 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 3-0 Berankis (*denotes next server)

Berankis double fault, 30-30. Berankis backhand up the line is long, break point.

Nadal mis-hits a forehand and Berankis capitalises with a forehand winner.

Nadal forehand winner down the line, second break point. Agony for Nadal as he misses another return.

Point of the match so far, a cracking point. Nadal chases down a drop volley and Berankis is there to put away the volley. Advantage Berankis.

Then the rain comes. The groundsmen sprint on and cover the court swiftly.


06:36 PM

Nadal 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 3-0 Berankis* (*denotes next server)

Whatever confidence Berankis had built has been snuffed out by Nadal, who has raced into a healthy lead.

Can't see him losing it from this position.


06:33 PM

Nadal* 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 2-0 Berankis (*denotes next server)

Here we go. Back to back winners by Nadal, 0-30. Berankis backhand into the tramlines, three break points.

Berankis forehand long and Nadal breaks. That was very easy. Berankis slams the ball with his racket in frustration.


06:31 PM

Fourth Set: Nadal 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 1-0 Berankis* (*denotes next server)

Nadal holds to 15 and you'd think he will be desperate to kill Berankis' momemtum as soon as possible.


06:27 PM

Nadal* 6-4, 6-4, 4-6 Berankis (*denotes next server)

Deep Berankis backhand and Nadal nets, 15-0. Rinse and repeat, 30-0. Is Berankis about to force a fourth set?

Wild Nadal forehand goes well long, 40-0. Nadal forehand return long and after a Hawkeye challenge confirms it, Berankis does win the set.

Credit where it is due for Berankis. Into a fourth set we go!


06:21 PM

Nadal 6-4, 6-4, 4-5 Berankis* (*denotes next server)

Hmmmmm. A couple of Nadal errors and it is 0-30. Nadal volley winner, 15-30. Nadal ace, 30-30.

Berankis puts a backhand return long, 40-30. Nadal nets a backhand after a new Berankis return, deuce.

But he holds again with an ace. Can Berankis serve out the set next? Not sure I would put money on it to be honest.


06:17 PM

Nadal* 6-4, 6-4, 3-5 Berankis (*denotes next server)

Nadal unloads on a forehand and Berankis nets, 15-30. Nadal then rifles a backhand down the line but Berankis is equal to it and hits a superb volley for a winner, 30-30.

Berankis then follows up with a lovely backhand winner up the line, 40-30. And he holds with a forehand winner down the line.

If Berankis has played three better points in his life, I'd love to see it.


06:11 PM

Nadal 6-4, 6-4, 3-4 Berankis* (*denotes next server)

Love hold by Nadal is sealed with an ace.


06:10 PM

Nadal* 6-4, 6-4, 2-4 Berankis (*denotes next server)

More forehand errors by Nadal sees him slip to 30-0. And he shanks another to concede the game very quickly.

It's been a very strange performance by the 22-time major winner.


06:06 PM

Nadal 6-4, 6-4, 2-3 Berankis* (*denotes next server)

Nadal shanks a forehand out of court, 30-30. Deep return by Berankis and Nadal can't get the ball back in play, break point Berankis.

Berankis nets the return. He HAD to make that shot! Deuce. Nadal holds again to keep himself within touching distance.


06:00 PM

Nadal* 6-4, 6-4, 1-3 Berankis (*denotes next server)

Back-to-back return errors by Nadal, he's not happy, 30-15. He then flicks a backhand into the tramlines and looks thoroughly displeased.

Great backhand by Berankis gets Nadal on the stretch and he can't get the ball back in play. Nadal will have to wait to break back.


05:57 PM

Nadal 6-4, 6-4, 1-2 Berankis* (*denotes next server)

Nadal gets back on track with a comfortable service game of his own. I expect him to make moves to break Berankis in the next game.


05:53 PM

Nadal* 6-4, 6-4, 0-2 Berankis (*denotes next server)

Impressive hold to 15 by Berankis to consolidate the break.


05:49 PM

Third Set: Nadal 6-4, 6-4, 0-1 Berankis* (*denotes next server)

Berankis gets down low to flick a backhand down the line and finishes with a volley winner, 15-30.

Nadal then hits a backhand long and it gives Berankis a break point. Blistering cross-court backhand by Berankis and Nadal can't get the ball back in play. He breaks Nadal again.


05:40 PM

Nadal* 6-4, 6-4 Berankis (*denotes next server)

What did I say? Nadal brings up two set points as he drags Berankis all over the court. Great hustle by Nadal but Berankis keeps his composure to put away the volley, 30-40.

Nadal nets a forehand. Deuce. You don't expect him to make such basic errors. Nadal steps in and rifles a cross court backhand winner, third set point.

'Come on' roars Berankis as Nadal nets a backhand return. Superb defence by Nadal and even better offense to but a forehand winner into the corner, fourth set point.

And just like the first set Nadal breaks to take the set when Berankis can't control his forehand and it flies wide.


05:31 PM

Nadal 6-4, 5-4 Berankis* (*denotes next server)

Great rally between the two players, Berankis hits a drop volley that Nadal chases down but he lifts his lob beyond the baseline, deuce.

Nadal holds to make Berankis have to hold his own next to stay in the set. He crumbled last time...


05:24 PM

Nadal* 6-4, 4-4 Berankis (*denotes next server)

Berankis closes the net well but misses with a backhand volley, 15-30. Mis-hit by Berankis and he is punished as Nadal rifles a forehand winner down the line, two break points.

Berankis saves the first. And the second with brave tennis, taking the rally to his opponent and finishing with a backhand winner.

A great recovery is completed by Berankis when Nadal puts a forehand long.


05:18 PM

Nadal 6-4, 4-3 Berankis* (*denotes next server)

Berankis catches the baseline with a beauty of a backhand return, 15-15. Shot of the match so far I think.

Classic Nadal to keep himself in the point then whips a forehand winner down the line, 40-30. A shot that has paid the bills for years.

But then he goes and shanks a forehand into the tramlines, deuce. Nevertheless, Nadal holds again.


05:12 PM

Nadal* 6-4, 3-3 Berankis (*denotes next server)

Vintage Nadal forehand into the corner, 0-15. Berankis steps inside and whips a forehand winner, 15-15. Nadal ups the power and Berankis mis-hits a backhand, 15-30. Nadal keeps himself in the rally, goes deep with a forehand and Berankis nets. Two break points.

Berankis saves the first with a forehand winner. But not the second as he sprays a backhand wide to lose his serve.


05:08 PM

Nadal 6-4, 2-3 Berankis* (*denotes next server)

Relief for Nadal as he holds to 30 when Berankis' return goes long. Fully expect him to come back eventually but his level is a concern.


05:05 PM

Nadal* 6-4, 1-3 Berankis (*denotes next server)

Wild backhand by Berankis, 0-30. Then another flies well long, 15-40. Lovely volley by Berankis to save the first.

And another to make it deuce, clutch play by Berankis. Berankis consolidates when Nadal makes another error.

Nadal really hasn't played well today.


04:56 PM

Nadal 6-4, 1-2 Berankis* (*denotes next server)

Nadal backhand into the net, 0-30. Nadal forehand long, three break points.

Nadal saves the first. But not the second as he nets a defensive backhand slice. Game on?


04:54 PM

Nadal* 6-4, 1-1 Berankis (*denotes next server)

Berankis gets a love service hold of his own. Suspect Nadal is just biding his time before going on the attack and taking out his man.


04:51 PM

Second Set: Nadal 6-4, 1-0 Berankis* (*denotes next server)

An ace from Nadal to hold to love. I do not expect Berankis to fight back from this position.


04:46 PM

Nadal* 6-4 Berankis (*denotes next server)

Another Nadal forehand error, 15-30. Berankis double fault, two set points. Nadal forehand error, 30-40.

Berankis backhand into the net and Nadal steals the set. Berankis crumbled there.


04:42 PM

Nadal 5-4 Berankis* (*denotes next server)

Nadal double fault, his second of the match, 30-15. Berankis backhand return into the net, Nadal holds.

We're in the business end of the set now. How will Berankis handle that pressure?


04:37 PM

Nadal* 4-4 Berankis (*denotes next server)

Berankis forehand long and it is break point Nadal. Berankis finds a first serve and finishes with a forehand winner, deuce.

Nadal forehand long and he kicks away the ball in frustration. The Spaniard is rattled.

Another Nadal error and Berankis holds on again. A commendable display so far.


04:32 PM

Nadal 4-3 Berankis* (*denotes next server)

Nadal goes long with a forehand, 40-30. He has not hit that shot well so far.

But Berankis hits a forehand error and Nadal holds.


04:28 PM

Nadal* 3-3 Berankis (*denotes next server)

This has been an error-strewn display by Nadal so far. Perhaps it is the wind but he's struggling to keep the ball in play.

And that allows Berankis to get to 40-15. But Nadal never gives up on a game and an overhead winner makes it deuce.

Berankis backhand winner down the line, great shot. And he holds with a lovely angled volley.


04:22 PM

Nadal 3-2 Berankis* (*denotes next server)

Early stages but Nadal is being made to work hard by Berankis. How long that lasts I'm not sure.

A deep return by Berankis and Nadal scooped forehand flies long, deuce. Break point for Berankis when Nadal's forehand goes long again.

Berankis backhand return into the net, deuce. He has to get that ball back in play. Costly error.

Nadal ace to hold after that scare.


04:16 PM

Nadal* 2-2 Berankis (*denotes next server)

Good deep backhand by Berankis, 30-30. Sensational backhand up the line again by Berankis, could not have placed it better, 40-30.

And he holds when Nadal's return flies wide.


04:11 PM

Nadal 2-1 Berankis* (*denotes next server)

Nadal ace, 40-0. Followed by a double fault, 40-15. Then another ace to win the game.


04:10 PM

Nadal* 1-1 Berankis (*denotes next server)

Confident service game by Berankis as he races to 40-15. A forehand into the net by Berankis opens the door slightly for Nadal.

But he holds after an unforced error by Nadal.


04:07 PM

First Set: Rafael Nadal 1-0 Ricardas Berankis* (*denotes next server)

Routine service hold for Nadal to start this match. I expect him to have far too much quality for the Lithuanian.


04:01 PM

The 22-time grand slam champion has arrived

It's almost time for Nadal against Ricardas Berankis.

We will have game-by-game updates. Stand by!


03:54 PM

More British interest at Wimbledon

Harriet Dart is a break down in the third set of her match with Jessica Pegula.

And Liam Broady is hanging on in the fourth set against Diego Schwartzman.


03:45 PM

Watch: The winning moment for Boulter


03:39 PM

Reaction from an emotional Katie Boulter

Who dedicates this win to her gran, who died two days ago.

"It's a dream come true for me. Hopefully I've got many more matches to play and if I can have [the fans] behind me for those hopefully I can go a really long way."


03:36 PM

She's done it!

Britain's Katie Boulter prevails 6-4 in the decider to knock out the sixth seed - and last year's finalist - Karolina Pliskova.

Absolutely brilliant from Boulter who reaches the third round at a Grand Slam for the first time - 3-6, 7-6, 6-4!


03:31 PM

Boulter breaks in the final set!!

And what a time to do it! She's 5-4 up in the decider and will be serving for a place in the third round!


03:26 PM

Update on the other Britons in action

Turning our attentions away from Centre Court for a moment, Liam Broady's strong start against Diego Schwartzman feels a long time ago.

The 12th seed from Argentina has hit back to lead 2-6, 6-4, 6-0 and is on top in the fourth set.

On Court No 2, Harriet Dart claimed the first set in style 6-3 against eighth seed Jessica Pegula, but the American is 3-1 up in the second.


03:15 PM

Solid start from Boulter in the decider

Which remains on serve at 2-2.


03:02 PM

Boulter wins the second set!

She battles through the tiebreak 7-4 and we're into a deciding third set on Centre Court!

Boulter got off to a flier in the breaker to lead 4-0 before being pegged back to 4-3, but she held her nerve to secure the set.

She's got momentum and the crowd on her side... could she pull off a famous victory?


02:56 PM

It's tiebreak time on Centre Court

Karolina Pliskova breezes through her service game to level things up at 6-6 in the second. And Boulter races into an early 2-0 lead in the breaker after a double-fault from her opponent...


02:54 PM

Take two for Boulter

After two service holds in a row she now leads 6-5 in set two and all the pressure is on her opponent.

Boulter has guaranteed herself at least a tiebreak in this set, but will be desperate to take it to a decider.


02:48 PM

Boulter one game away from parity

She cruises through a service game against last year's runner-up and is 5-4 up in the second set.

But can Boulter break the Pliskova serve again to seal this set? Shouts of "C'mon Katie" from the Centre Court crowd.

Katie Boulter has fought back after losing the opening set - AP
Katie Boulter has fought back after losing the opening set - AP

02:40 PM

Well, Boulter was a break up...

Pliskova has just broken the Briton so we're now back on serve in the second set. It's 3-6, 4-3.


02:28 PM

Boulter battling back

Om Centre Court, Britain's Katie Boulter is taking on sixth seed Karolina Pliskova and is a set down but a break up in the second set!


02:15 PM

Another Briton going well

Liam Broady has claimed the first set against 12th seed Diego Schwartzman on Court 3 and is 2-3 down in the second, which remains on serve.


01:55 PM

And Heather Watson has done it!

Wang Qiang dumps a forehand into the net and Watson moves into the third round with a 7-5, 6-4 victory.

Super stuff from the Briton who plays Kaja Juvan tomorrow.


01:50 PM

Out on Court 18

Heather Watson is within touching distance of a place in the third round.

She's 5-4 up in the second set against Wang Qiang - but has just been denied on match point by a net cord for her opponent...

Heather Watson is looking to reach the third round at Wimbledon for a fourth time - GETTY IMAGES
Heather Watson is looking to reach the third round at Wimbledon for a fourth time - GETTY IMAGES

01:16 PM

Game, set, match - Taylor Fritz

British wildcard Alastair Gray saved four match points in the third set but the American served out comfortably enough in the end to progress in straight sets 6-3, 7-6, 6-3.

Fritz, the Eastbourne champion, remains on course for a quarter-final against Rafael Nadal.


01:02 PM

Updates from across SW19

  • Two-time champion Petra Kvitova is into the third round after completing a 6-1, 7-6 win over Ana Bogdan on Court No 3.

  • Nick Kyrgios has made a rapid start to his match against Filip Krajinovic and is one game away from sealing the first set. You can follow live updates from that match here.


12:41 PM

What a shot!

Taylor Fritz wraps up the tiebreak 7-3 with a stunning full-length dive allowing him to shovel a winner into the empty court.

Alastair Gray though he had won the point with a cross-court volley and pumped his fist to the crowd, only to turn around and see the American's shot drop in!

Fritz leads two sets to love - 6-3, 7-6.


12:31 PM

Into a second-set tiebreak on Court 12

Can Alastair Gray claw his way back into the match against 11th seed Taylor Fritz?

It's 2-1 Fritz in the breaker as it stands...


12:23 PM

BREAKING: Exciting news for the baking community...

... Mary Berry is here!

wimbledon 2022 live rafael nadal score results highlights today - WIREIMAGE
wimbledon 2022 live rafael nadal score results highlights today - WIREIMAGE

12:19 PM

Our man on Court 12 with Gray vs Fritz- Samuel Hugh

Gray double faults to lose his serve when serving for the set. Can the wildcard recover?


12:05 PM

Gray fights back

Alastair Gray is doing what he can to stay with Taylor Fritz as he breaks and leads 4-1 in the second set.

Elsewhere, veteran Richard Gasquet won the first set 6-3 over Mackenzie McDonald on Court 17.


11:52 AM

Latest scores from around the grounds

Alastair Gray has lost the opening set 6-3 to American Taylor Fritz on Court 12.

On Court 3, former champion Petra Kvitova is blasting her way past Ana Bogdan, she leads 6-1 2-1.

4th seed Paula Badosa won the first set 6-3 over Irina Bara.


11:46 AM

Men's top 20 in tatters


11:22 AM

Bautista Agut's statement

“Today I have notified Wimbledon of my cancellation. I have tested positive for Covid-19. Fortunately, the symptoms are not very serious, but I think it is the best decision. Thanks for your support. I hope to come back soon.”


11:10 AM

BREAKING: Roberto Bautista Agut withdraws with Covid

The Spaniard comes the third men's player to exit from Wimbledon with the illness.


11:04 AM

Order of play - June 30

Nadal, Gauff, Badosa, Halep, Kvitova, Andreescu, Watson and Kyrgios all action.

Take a look at the full schedule here.


10:47 AM

'No father, no coach and no answers: Emma Raducanu looked lost in more ways than one'

Our Chief Sports Writer Oliver Brown was on Centre Court to see Raducanu get knocked out of Wimbledon yesterday.

The 19-year-old was a forlorn figure as she trudged off the court but defiant in her press conference as she insisted she was not under pressure.

Brown writes:

Was Eddie Jones right all along when he suggested she had too many off-court distractions? Raducanu has undergone a transformation that would challenge any young woman her age.

But perhaps, in the process, she has also lost a little of the devil-may-care spirit that made her such an irresistible force.

Read more from Brown here.


10:34 AM

Hello there

Good morning from Wimbledon once again as we gear up for day four of the 2022 Championships.

Wednesday was a tough day for British tennis as Emma Raducanu, Andy Murray, Ryan Peniston and Katie Swan all crashed out of the tournament. But today is a new day and we have six more Britons in action.

Katie Boulter is first up on Centre Court against Karolina Pliskova while Jack Draper and Heather Watson will be hoping to extend their runs on Court 1 and 18 respectively.

Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal continues his quest for the calendar grand slam while fellow French Open champion Iga Swiatek will be a good bet to extend her winning run.

On Tuesday, Swiatek announced she has teamed up with fellow tennis players Agnieszka Radwanska, Elina Svitolina, Sergiy Stakhovsky and Martyn Pawelski for a one-day special event to raise funds for people affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"Iga Swiatek & Friends for Ukraine", scheduled for July 23 in Krakow, Poland, will feature a mixed doubles match and a set of singles between Swiatek and compatriot Radwanska. Both matches will be umpired by Ukrainian Svitolina.

"For months I have been working with my team on a charity initiative for Ukraine to support those who suffer because of the war," French Open champion Swiatek said in a statement on social media on Wednesday.

"There will also be a special guest representing Ukraine - former (Ukraine) football player Andriy Shevchenko."

Swiatek, who is on a 36-match winning streak, has been vocal about her support for the beleaguered country, sporting a blue and yellow ribbon on her hat in recent months. The 21-year-old beat Jana Fett 6-0 6-3 in her opening round match at Wimbledon on Tuesday and takes on Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove.

Stay with us for all the latest news and updates from SW19.