“I was losing to every kid at my academy!” Rafael Nadal undermines his chances against Jiri Lehecka once again after doing the same with Alex de Minaur

Rafael Nadal is doubtful about his chances of beating Jiri Lehecka.

“I was losing to every kid at my academy!” Rafael Nadal undermines his chances against Jiri Lehecka once again after doing the same with Alex de Minaur

Rafael Nadal and Jiri Lehecka (Via Imago)

Rafael Nadal, known as the ‘King of Clay’, is on a winning streak at the Madrid Open. Despite spending much of the year sidelined, the Spaniard has made a strong comeback and is competing with the youngsters as if he never left.

Despite his outstanding performances so far, Nadal, however, continues to undermine himself against the youngsters of the circuit. He had first done this against Alex de Minaur but ended up beating the Australian in straight sets. Next up was Pedro Cachin, who pushed the match for three hours, but Nadal still prevailed 6-1, 6-7, 6-3.

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The Argentine had smartly strategized around tiring Nadal. He made the 37-year-old run all around the court with the drop shots and the lobs. However, with Nadal’s caliber, he was able to outsmart the youngster to beat him in a great match. 

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Three weeks ago, I was losing to every kid at my academy. And now I’m competing again against the players from the ATP circuit. And winning matches. Specially after what happened today.  
said Rafael Nadal in the post-match interview.  

After a tough match, Nadal acknowledges the challenge ahead against Jiri Lehecka, noting that his next opponent has been dominant with his forehands. Nadal anticipates a tough battle in the upcoming match, considering the intensity of his previous match.

Rafael Nadal takes on Jiri Leheckha after having trained with the Czech last week

After a great start to the Mutua Madrid Open, home man Rafael Nadal has made it to the fourth round of the tournament. Every game, he has shown glimpses of his vintage self and aggressive celebrations to announce his return to the circuit. 

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

However, now the 37-year-old faces a true challenge in front of him. He is up against Czech prodigy Jiri Lehecka in the next round. Given that they had practiced together last week, Nadal hopes to get on the winning side of things this time. 

I hope so because I lost. But I don't know. Let's see. I cannot predict what can happen tomorrow, what level I gonna show tomorrow. I am more unpredictable than what I used to be.
said Rafael Nadal on his level being different than last week, as per Reem Abulleil
https://twitter.com/ReemAbulleil/status/1785022923771617786

Nonetheless, after hours of rest, the Spaniard will soon be back on court and fighting for a position in the next round. Jiri Lehecka, on the other hand, is yet to lose a set so far in his Madrid Open campaign. 

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