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ROME — After losing in the semifinals of three consecutive clay-court tournaments, Rafael Nadal looked more like his old, dominant self when he beat Stefanos Tsitsipas, 6-3, 6-4, on Saturday to reach the Italian Open final.
It was a measure of revenge for Nadal after losing to Tsitsipas in three sets in a semifinal in Madrid a week earlier. This victory should also restore Nadal’s confidence as he seeks a record-extending 12th title at the French Open starting next weekend.
“The main thing is I am playing better,” Nadal said.