Nadal holds up physically to reach semi-finals

Rafael Nadal was not going to allow anything to get in his way as he continued to ramp up his preparations for the Paris Olympics next week.

- 

Playing on his favourite clay surface at the Swedish Open, the Spanish great bounced back from a set down to defeat Argentina's Mariano Navone 6-7 (2-7), 7-5, 7-5 in the quarter-finals on July 19.

A day earlier, the 22-time Grand Slam champion had also fought back from trailing 4-1 in the second set to beat British fifth seed Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-4.

It was all the more remarkable considering the 38-year-old veteran last played singles tennis at the French Open in May as he struggled with fitness issues.

His victories so far in Bastad would be a huge boost as he looks ahead to both the singles and the doubles partnering reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz - at the Games.

"For moments he was in control.