Nadal downs De Minaur for statement Madrid win
Rafael Nadal continued with his recovery from injury and gained revenge for his second-round defeat in the Barcelona Open when he beat Alex de Minaur 7-6 (6), 6-3 in the second round of the Mutua Madrid Open.
De Minaur ended Nadal's hopes in Barcelona and the rematch allowed the 37-year-old Spanish former World number one to show that he is recovering his form and stamina.
In front of a highly partizan crowd, Nadal claimed a draining first set after a tense tie-break, but whereas in Barcelona, he faded badly in the second set due to a lack of fitness, in Madrid he was able to continue with his high-level and claim the second set 6-3.
"I have had some difficult months at a professional level, but I have always got up with the hope of enjoying another afternoon like this one," said Nadal after the match.
"It means a lot to be able to play a complete match, as I couldn't do that last week (in Barcelona) and I am happy that I will be able to play at least one more time on this court," added the player who had said this will be the last time he plays in Madrid.
Third seed, Daniil Medvedev recovered from losing the opening set 6-2 to recover and beat Italy's Matteo Arnaldi 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.
In the women's third round, fifth seed Maria Sakkari beat Sloane Stephens of the USA 6-1, 6-3 in straight sets.
Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo was cheered on by a partizan crowd as she beat former winner Victoria Azarenka 7-6(7), 6-3, as Azarenka's game appeared to fall apart in the last three games.
Top seed, Iga Swiatek breezed past 27th-seeded, Sorana Cirstea 6-1, 6-1, and ninth-seeded Jelena Ostapenko beat Argentina's Maria Carle 6-3, 6-3 to assure a place in the last-16.
Ons Jabeur also made it to the last-16 after a hard-fought 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 win over Leylah Fernandez in blustery conditions in Madrid.
Related articles
Supreme Court rejects an appeal from a Canadian man once held at Guantanamo
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by a Canadian-born former Guantanam2024-05-21Lawsuit by Chicago Tribune staffers claims race and sex discrimination
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Tribune is being sued by some of its staffers, who say they and other wom2024-05-21Judge pushes decision to next week on Alec Baldwin's indictment in fatal 2021 shooting
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico judge plans to rule next week on a grand jury indictment against2024-05-21Drua beat Reds to maintain 8th place in Super Rugby, Brumbies edge Crusaders with late penalty try
SUVA, Fiji (AP) — Hooker and captain Tevita Ikanivere scored a try in each half as the Fijian Drua b2024-05-21Inquiry slams UK authorities for failures that killed thousands in infected blood scandal
LONDON (AP) — British authorities and the country’s public health service knowingly exposed tens of2024-05-21China calls for strengthened flood control in Yangtze, Taihu Lake basins
Chen Min, vice minister of water resources, on Tuesday called for action to strengthen flood control2024-05-21
atest comment