French Open 2018, Men's Singles, Round 1: Rafael Nadal vs Simone Bolelli, Live Match Updates

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Sometimes, all it needs is a small break for a top-flight player to return to form and that is exactly what transpired on court as the World No.1 Nadal clawed his way from behind in the third set to keep his nerve and come out on top against the Italian Simone Bolelli, who kept himself in the game until the very end with a scintillating combination of exquisite drop shots and powerful smashes.

However, the net played antagonist to Bolelli's plans all through the set and in the end, Nadal made optimum use of the unforced errors to move into a next round with a thrilling 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (11-9) victory in the end.

Nadal clinches the match 6-4,6-3, 7-6 (11-9).

A dominating display of some skillful tennis from both Nadal and Bolelli, the former in particular played commmendably well to claw back from a 3-game deficit to finish victorious in the end.

Third match point for Nadal!

Quick serve from the Spaniard, Bolelli returns it well but is caught in the middle as Nadal finishes with a forehand.

Rafael Nadal to serve.

Players switch ends, score is tied on 9-9.

Bolelli is doing fabulously well to stay in the hunt here! Another sizzling forehand return, 168kmph and stays in the game with that point.

Savage from Nadal! Sees Bolelli moving forward, sends a strong forehand which falls inches inside.

Second matchpoint for Nadal.

Bolelli is certainly not done yet. A strong serve followed by a strong forehand and the score is back on level.

Now Nadal has regained the lead. Matchpoint for the Spaniard!

Bolelli has found the net with a backhand. In other news, the sky is blue.

Scores level on 7-7.

My word! That drop shot should be captured and kept in the museum. Shake of the head from Nadal and even he knew that he could do nothing about that. Bolelli leads 7-6.

Players to switch sides yet again. A small drink for both of them and we are off! Bolelli to serve.

Fabulous from Nadal! Three points in a row and now Nadal has leveled scores on 6-6.

Nadal making a strong comeback here. Sends in a strong forehand and follows it up with a good cross-court forehand to collect a point. Bolelli leads 6-5.

Ace from the Spaniard! Score now is 6-4 in favour of Bolelli.

Set point for Bolelli.

Is that a drop shot or a magic spell? Second time in a row, Bolelli drops it and picks another point! Excellent execution.

Exquisite thinking from Bolelli! Nadal sent in a strong backhand, Bolelli calmly drops it down and collects yet another point.

Nadal and Bolelli will now switch ends.

Nadal collects yet another point on his serve. Bolelli 4-2 Nadal.

Three points in a row and Bolelli is running away with the game. Leads 4-1.

Fantastic application from Bolelli! Sees Nadal playing a little deep, runs forward to the net and drops it away from Nadal. Now enjoys a 3-1 lead.

Another powerful backhand from Bolelli as he regains the lead. Bolelli 2-1 Nadal.

Nadal claims one back and the score is now leveled on 1-1.

First point goes to Bolelli as Nadal misjudges the pace on the ball and hits it way out.

We will now have a tiebreaker.

An ace to end the set on a high! Third ace of the game and Nadal holds on to level scores.

Nadal leads 6-4, 6-3, 6-6.

Balollei and the net. A love story for sure? Nadal leads 40-0.

Two points in a row for the burly Spaniard. Leads 30-0.

Nadal now has the uphill task of retaining his serve to stay in this set. Can Bolelli wrap the set with this game?

Bolelli claims the game! Nadal finds the net on his return and Bolelli has a 6-5 lead in this set.

Nadal leads 6-4, 6-3, 5-6.

Smooth from the Italian! Bolelli advances, skips around and smashes a strong forehand to take the advantage!

The net has played antagonist to Bolelli all through this set and it has again. Second deuce!

Fantastic skill from Bolelli, a drop shot and Nadal pushes to get to the ball but it was too much for him to handle. Advantage Bolelli!

Nadal steals a point with another strong forehand. First deuce!

Premeditation is not part of Bolelli's strategy as he now has the lead, score on 40-30.

Ace! Bolelli sends a powerful smash down the line to reduce the deficit.

Strong start for Nadal as he enjoys a 30-0 lead in the game.

That was it! Nadal claims the game and the score is now leveled on 5-5 in this set.

Nadal leads 6-4, 6-3, 5-5.

Nadal hits the ball ever so slightly outside to gift a point to Bolelli.

Two points in a row for Nadal as he now leads 40-15 in this game. Only a point away from leveling scores.

One point each to start off the game.

Nadal to serve now. Will Bolelli break his serve to win the set or does Nadal have a trick or two up his sleeve?

Two games in a row for Bolelli and he's clawing his way back in this competition! Leads 5-4 in the set.

Nadal leads 6-4, 6-3, 4-5.

Bolelli slowly finding his feet. Two powerful forehands and all Nadal could do was lob the ball back to Bolelli, who smashed it away from Nadal to collect a point.

Bolelli has enjoyed playing the backhand shots, which has also served him well. Score tied on 30-30.

Bolelli snatches one back. Score stands on 30-15 in favour of Nadal.

Two points in a row for Nadal and he leads 30-0 in the game.

There it is! Bolelli finally gets some form back and clinches the game.

Nadal leads 6-4, 6-3, 4-4.

French Open 2018, Men's Singles, Round 1: Rafael Nadal vs Simone Bolelli, Live Match Updates

Nadal def Simone Bolelli 6-4,6-3, 7-6(11-9) to enter Round 2.