Foot injury resurfaces for Nadal in Italian Open defeat to Shapovalov

Rafael Nadal dominated the opening set of the Italian Open clash against Denis Shapovalov before a foot injury derailed him

Rafael Nadal was knocked out of the Italian Open after the 21-times major winner was beaten 1-6 7-5 6-2 by Canadian Denis Shapovalov in the last-16 of the Italian Open on Thursday.

Nadal had a solid start, but the 35-year-old struggled physically towards the end of the contest, raising doubts over his fitness ahead of the French Open, which he has won a record 13 times.

The Spaniard, who has endured a string of injuries during a career spanning more than two decades, dominated the opening set with his brilliant return of serves.

Canadian Shapovalov responded in style by racing to a 4-1 lead in the second set with his energetic and attacking play, but Rafael Nadal got back into the contest by winning the next three games.

Nadal saved a set point at 4-5 but a series of unforced errors and lack of aggression from him saw the match go into the deciding third set.

World number four Rafael Nadal broke through right away at the start of the decider but later limped with an apparent foot injury, likely related to his chronic left-foot problem.

Shapovalov won 17 of the last 20 points, completing his comeback as he handed Rafael Nadal his earliest Rome exit since 2008.