Sign up for our free sport newsletter for the latest news on cycling, boxing, and more!

Darwin Blanch, a 16-year-old American tennis player, was left stunned when he found out he would be facing none other than Rafael Nadal in the first round of the Madrid Open. The young player, ranked just outside the top 1,000 in the world, received a wildcard entry to the main draw of the tournament, setting up a David vs Goliath matchup against the 22-time grand slam champion.

Blanch, who took to Snapchat to express his disbelief at drawing Nadal as his opponent, is set to face the ‘King of Clay’ in what could be a career-defining moment for the teenager. Despite the nerves and excitement surrounding the match, Blanch is determined to make the most of the opportunity and enjoy every moment of playing against a tennis legend like Nadal.

With a unique backstory that has seen him live and train in various countries around the world, Blanch has already made a name for himself in the junior circuit, finishing 2023 as the ninth-ranked junior player globally. His wildcard entry to the Madrid Open presents him with a chance to showcase his talent on the big stage and potentially pull off one of the biggest upsets in tennis history by defeating Nadal.

Having received words of encouragement from fellow player Carlos Alcaraz, Blanch is ready to embrace the challenge and make the most of the experience. As he gears up to face Nadal on the court, the young American is determined to leave a mark and prove that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level of the sport.

The Madrid Open clash between Blanch and Nadal promises to be a thrilling encounter, with fans eagerly anticipating how the young underdog will fare against the seasoned champion. Stay tuned for all the latest updates on this exciting matchup and more by signing up for our free sport newsletter today!