Basel, Switzerland: An ongoing appendix problem didn’t affect Spanish former world number one Rafael Nadal as he breezed through 6-2, 6-2 in his first round match with Italian journeyman Simone Bolelli at the Swiss Indoors on Monday.
The 28-year-old Spaniard — who has been on a 10-day antibiotic regime for an appendix that will have to be removed in the coming weeks — recorded his first victory in three visits to Basel in just 71 minutes, breaking Bolelli four times.
He next plays France’s Pierre-Hugues Herbert, who defeated another Frenchman, Eduard Roger-Vasselin, 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/3).
Nadal had been unsure of taking to the court as a result of his medical worries. But he said that getting through in good form was a huge relief.
“I had some doubts with myself that I would be able to compete well,” said Nadal, seeded second in the event behind five-time champion and home hero Roger Federer.
“Today was a very positive victory for me.
“I’m very happy for what happened. With my [summer-long] wrist injury and now the appendix, it’s not been a great season. This was a dangerous match for me and I won it.
“I’m very pleased with what happened. When you are 10 days on antibiotics, the body goes down some, you feel a little scared on how you will play.
“But I’m happy with my performance today, I’m looking forward to playing the next round on Wednesday.”
Nadal began against Bolelli, a 77th-ranked qualifier by winning a seven-minute opening game before settling into his familiar match rhythm.
He broke twice to claim the first set in 31 minutes and earned a break in the second for 4-2 on the way to victory over the 29-year-old.
Nadal, who has despite his fitness problems won four titles this year including his ninth French Open crown, is amazed that it’s been a decade since his last Basel appearance.
“Ten years without being here, that’s a long time. But finally I’m here,” he said.
“I was really sorry not be able to come here last year [fatigue]. But I’m happy to be here now.
“And I’m really happy to get my first Basel win,” added Nadal, who lost to Feliciano Lopez in 2003 and Rainer Schuettler a year later.
