Five-time champion Rafael Nadal is off to a strong start at the Mutua Madrid Open, setting up a rematch with Alex de Minaur after defeating 16-year-old wild card Darwin Blanch in straight sets. Nadal, who is making his 20th appearance at the tournament, showcased his dominance on the court, overwhelming Blanch with his powerful shots and solid play.
In a match that featured the largest age gap between opponents at ATP Masters 1000 level, Nadal proved why he is a force to be reckoned with in the tennis world. The Spaniard did not face a single break point on his serve and won an impressive 59 percent of his return points, cruising to victory in just 64 minutes.
Looking ahead to his next match against de Minaur, Nadal will be seeking redemption after the Australian player defeated him in Barcelona last week. With a 3-2 lead in their head-to-head series, Nadal will be aiming to continue his success in Madrid, where he has won the title five times.
Despite facing physical limitations in the past, Nadal showed no signs of slowing down in front of a packed crowd at the Manolo Santana Stadium. With his son Rafael cheering him on from the sidelines, Nadal expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of his fans and the opportunity to compete in such a prestigious tournament.
As Nadal prepares for his upcoming match, fans of all ages continue to show their support for the tennis legend, eager to witness more thrilling performances from the former world No. 1. With a successful start to the tournament, Nadal is determined to make his mark once again in Madrid and add another title to his impressive collection.