Rafael Nadal advances to third round at Madrid Open with straight-set win

Five-time champion Rafael Nadal showed his dominance on the Madrid clay as he reached the third round of the Madrid Open with a straight-set win over Australian Alex de Minaur. The Spaniard, who is playing on the Madrid clay for the final time, displayed his class with a 7-6 (8-6) 6-3 victory, seeking revenge on the opponent who knocked him out of the Barcelona Open just 10 days ago.

Nadal, 37, expressed his happiness at being competitive against a tough opponent like De Minaur, emphasizing that his physical condition has been the main challenge rather than his tennis skills. With the French Open approaching next month, Nadal’s performance in Madrid will give him the belief that he can compete at the highest level.

The home crowd at the Manolo Santana stadium cheered on Nadal as he fought back from a break down in the first set to force a tie-break, which he eventually won after squandering four set points. The record 14-time French Open champion then asserted his dominance in the second set, securing a significant victory that delighted the fans.

Nadal’s return from a three-month injury absence at the Barcelona Open was a promising one, and this victory in Madrid will serve as a confidence booster for the remainder of the season. With other top players like Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev also progressing in the tournament, the competition is heating up as the players gear up for the upcoming Grand Slam events.

Despite some upsets in the tournament, Nadal’s performance has once again proven why he is considered one of the greatest clay-court players of all time. As he bids farewell to the Madrid clay, fans can expect more thrilling matches from the legendary Spaniard in the remaining tournaments of the season.