Rafael Nadal 'sorry' for exchange with Lorenzo Sonego during Wimbledon match

Spaniard summoned his opponent to the net to discuss his displeasure at the Italian's grunts

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  Spain's Rafael Nadal (R) speaks with Italy's Lorenzo Sonego (L) after winning in their men's singles tennis match on the sixth day of the 2022 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 2, 2022. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

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  Rafael Nadal salutes the crowd after defeating Lorenzo Sonego. EPA

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  Rafael Nadal plays a bakhand volley to Lorenzo Sonego during their third round match at Wimbledon. EPA

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  Rafael Nadal applauds the crowd after beating Lorenzo Sonego in the Wimbledon third round. AFP

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  Rafael Nadal plays a shot to Lorenzo Sonego during their third round match at Wimbledon. EPA

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  Rafael Nadal celebrates defeating Lorenzo Sonego in the third round at Wimbledon. AP

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  Rafael Nadal leaves the court after winning his third round match against Lorenzo Sonego. Reuters

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  Lorenzo Sonego in action during his third round match against Rafael Nadal. Reuters

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  Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Lorenzo Sonego during their third round match at Wimbledon. AFP

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  Rafael Nadal in action during his third round match against Lorenzo Sonego. PA

Rafael Nadal said he apologised to Lorenzo Sonego after appearing to scold the Italian during their third round clash at Wimbledon on Saturday.

Second seed Nadal, the champion in 2008 and 2010, reached the fourth round for the 10th time with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 win in his most impressive performance so far at the Championships.

The 36-year-old Spaniard had required back-to-back four-setters to make the third round and was expected to be tested by Sonego, who made the fourth round last year.

However, Nadal did not face a break point until he dropped serve in the eighth game of the third set, his focus possibly affected by a stoppage to close the Centre Court roof. He quickly broke back and sealed the victory.

Nadal, however, appeared upset by the noise the Italian was making on court, and summoned Sonego to the net to discuss his displeasure while the two then had another lengthy exchange as they shook hands.

"I have to say that I was wrong. I should not call him on the net. So apologise for that. My mistake in that. No problem. I recognise that," said Nadal. "It's something that I spoke with him in the locker room and it stays there. Only thing I can say is I saw him personally.

"My intention was never to bother him at all. Just to tell one thing that was bothering me that I think he was doing in that moment, but that's it. We had some issues there, but that's it."

Nadal has already won the Australian Open and French Open in 2022 and is halfway to the first men's calendar Grand Slam since Rod Laver achieved the feat in 1969.

"This was probably my best match here without a doubt during the championships, against the most difficult player I faced," Nadal said. "I have been able to raise my level, super happy for that."

Nadal will next face Dutch 21st seed Botic van de Zandschulp for a place in the quarter-finals.

The 26-year-old Van de Zandschulp made the last 16 at the All England Club for the first time with a 7-5, 2-6, 7-6, 6-1 win over French veteran Richard Gasquet.

Nadal comfortably defeated the Dutch player in straight sets on his way to a 14th French Open title last month.