WATCH | Rafael Nadal shows Jack Sock why he is the 'King of Clay'
Even though Rafael Nadal is not the player he once was, he still has his moments, especially on clay, where he produces glimpses from years gone by. In the Rome Masters, against Jack Sock, Nadal showed immense grit to keep a point alive before producing a magical passing shot to win the point.
After Nicolas Almagro retired in the first round, Nadal's first challenge at the Rome Masters came in the shape of 24-year-old Jack Sock. The Spaniard was out of the blocks quickly and broke the American on his first attempt at serving, only to see himself defending a break point in the very next game. Nadal saved the break point and brought up a game point for himself.
However, the youngster was not ready to give up on the game as he attacked Nadal from the outset with brilliant passing shots, but on each occasion found the nine-time Rolland Garros winner up for the challenge. The American, eventually, approached the net and tried to catch Nadal flat-footed with a shot down the line.
While it appeared like Sock might have forced another deuce, Nadal produced a vintage passing shot to not just get the point but the game as well. Nadal secured a place in the next round with a brilliant 6-3, 6-4 win and if he can continue playing like this, only a madman would bet against him securing an incredible tenth Roland Garros title.