Rafael Nadal defeats Alex de Minaur for statement Madrid win

Vintage Nadal back?

Rafael Nadal showed sustained flashes of his vintage best in a statement second-round win against Alex de Minaur at the Mutua Madrid Open on Saturday, April 27. The 37-year-old Spaniard, who is playing in his last Madrid Open, defeated the 10th-seeded Australian 7-6 (8-6), 6-3 to advance to the third round.

Nadal looked nervous in the first set, but somehow held his nerves. He let go four set points, but converted the fifth. The second set was a one-sided affair in favour of the Spaniard.

Nadal was impressive with his first serves as he garnered 71 percent of points from there. He also hit 13 powerful winners.

“No, no… not yet (laughs). It needs time. For moments it was a good level of tennis. I was able to do positive things. But it’s still on and off. Super happy to be able to be competitive against a great player like Alex,” Nadal said in the on-court interview after the match.

‘Can’t thank everybody enough’

It took Nadal a tad over 2 hours to get the better of de Minaur, who has been in good form. The veteran was happy after he managed to survive through the rigours of the game.

“Playing over 2 hours means a lot to me. The atmosphere is just a joke. Just can’t thank everybody here enough,” Nadal added.

Nadal also defeated a player in the top 20 for the first time since 2022. Nadal will next be up against Argentina’s Pedro Cachin in the Round of 32. Cachin will be high on confidence after knocking up Frances Tiafoe.

Ultimate goal is French Open

Nadal’s ultimate goal is to be competitive one last time at next month’s French Open, where he is a record 14-time champion.

“I have been through some very difficult months when there were moments when I didn’t see the reason to continue, but I had the dream of experiencing feelings like this again and above all at home,” Nadal said. “It was incredible.”
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