PHOTOS/VIDEO: 2020 Paris Masters R2 Rafael Nadal vs. Feliciano Lopez

2020 Paris Masters R2 Rafael Nadal bt. Feliciano Lopez  4-6 7-6(5) 6-4

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Rafael Nadal became only the fourth player to earn 1,000 Open Era singles victories on Wednesday, as he opened his title bid at the Rolex Paris Masters with a 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 comeback victory against Feliciano Lopez.

In his first match since he captured a record-extending 13th Roland Garros title last month, Nadal served 16 aces and saved three of four break points to make further history in the French capital. The Spaniard, who is chasing his first title at the Accor Arena, improved to 20-5 at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament.

“[Winning 1,000 matches] means that I am old. That means that I played well for such a very long time, because to achieve that number is because I have been playing well for a lot of years and [that] is something that makes me feel happy,” said Nadal.

“I just can say thank you very much to all the people that helped me and all the people that in any moment of my life helped me to be where I am.”

“I started the match in the worst way possible, especially against a big server like Feli,” said Nadal. “After that, I played under a lot of pressure the rest of the match, but I found a way. That's the main thing... This victory is one that I am very proud of. The personal satisfaction sometimes is bigger when you win these matches than if you go on court and you win 6-3, 6-3.”

Source: ATP

Photos: Getty Images; AP; AFP; EFE; Panoramic; IP3press; REUTERS

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