“Today was the most important test,” Rafael Nadal gets his revenge against Alex de Minaur as he secures a second-round victory in Madrid

Rafael Nadal pulled off a huge win at the Madrid open by beating Alex de Minaur.

“Today was the most important test,” Rafael Nadal gets his revenge against Alex de Minaur as he secures a second-round victory in Madrid

Rafael Nadal and Alex de Minaur (via IMAGO)

Sweet revenge for the Spanish ace Rafael Nadal as he managed to make his way through to the third round of the Mutua Madrid Open. A major statement was made by the 37-year-old, who announced that he could still take up daunting tasks despite not being 100%. 

It was just last week that Alex De Minaur ousted Nadal in a highly electric match in the second round of the Barcelona Open. Last time it was a quiet match between the two, but this time around, the scripts were flipped. Nadal managed to pull off one of his greatest wins of the season, but not without any spice involved. 

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The match saw the Spaniard lose his cool against the umpire over a line call, but he soon overcame the drama to record his first major win of the season. From the get-go, Nadal put De Minaur on the back foot. Although they were neck-to-neck in the first set, the Spaniard managed to pull ahead at the tie-break and continued the same in the second set. In the end, a double break from the 37-year-old saw his second win at the Madrid Open 7-6(8),6-3.

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The last few days, no pain, small issues, I will have to check how I wake hope tomorrow morning... It’s really a day-to-day process, that’s why sometimes I can’t be so positive. Today was the most important test since I came back.
Rafael Nadal said after the match

Despite not being 100%, Nadal has pulled out a great win. After an easy first round, he considered this game very important in terms of physical fitness. He now hopes to check in on his health the next day for the third-round match.

Rafael Nadal is hopeful to take it step-by-step as he marches along to the third round of the Madrid Open

Rafael Nadal has been struggling with his injury concerns and was even out for quite some time. After a slow comeback in Barcelona, it was time for Nadal to get back to form.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

In the post-match interview, he revealed that it was more of a physical battle that he was worried about, which would ultimately decide his place in the next few months. Hoping to take it step-by-step, Nadal is visioning a comeback soon.

I don’t know. I really believe the tennis hasn’t been an issue for the last 2 years. More the physical issues. If I’m able to play weeks in a row and if I’m able to play tennis.. I’ll see how far I can go and how competitive I can be. That’s not the case yet. Step by step. Let’s see how I recover.
Rafael Nadal quipped at the post-match interview

He will now face Argentine Pedro Cachin in the next round. Cachin is fresh off a huge win over Frances Tiafoe and would be a test for Nadal and his physical fitness level. However, the road continues for Nadal, who is also preparing for the upcoming Olympics. 

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