Rafael Nadal, who is attempting a final return to form at almost 38 years old despite his damaged body, successfully entered the competition on Thursday April 25 at the Masters 1000 in Madrid by dominating the very young American Darwin Blanch, ranked above 1000e world place, in two sets, 6-1, 6-0.
Nadal was never put in danger by the young 16-year-old American guest, too fragile in the exchange despite considerable power, and won in 64 minutes. As in Barcelona last week, for his return to school after yet another setback and three months of absence, the Spaniard with 22 Grand Slam titles will face the Australian Alex de Minaur, 11, in the second round.e global and of a completely different caliber.
“I am not going to play in Paris in the state I am in today”
Twenty-four hours earlier, at a pre-tournament press conference, Nadal had explained that, despite his precarious form, it was important to him to “play one last time” in the Spanish capital. “It’s Madrid, there are a lot of things that mix on an emotional level, which lead me to make the decision to play, for personal reasons”he explained. “If it were Roland-Garros, I wouldn’t playhe had nonetheless considered. I’m not going to play in Paris in the state I am in today. »
“I will play in Paris if I feel I am ready enough. Otherwise, it doesn’t make sense.”decided the Majorcan, whose body has in fact prevented him from playing as he wants since the summer of 2022. After his winning debut on Thursday, “it was okay”estimated “Rafa”. “It gives me one more opportunity to play here in Madrid and it means a lot to me. »
Regarding his next round against De Minaur, expected on Saturday, “I’m happy to get on the court once again, I want to do it as best as possible, I’ll try to be as competitive as possible”did he declare. “Certainly it’s going to be very difficult but it’s almost a gift to have a chance to play again” in Madrid, appreciated the Spanish champion.
