By Reinaldo Oliveros
Apr 25, 2024, 3:45 PM EDT
Rafael Nadal was happy to stay “at least two more days” at the Madrid Masters 1000 after advancing to the second round of the Mutua Madrid Open after beating the young American Darwin Blanch 6-1 and 6-0.
The Spaniard easily destroyed the 16-year-old tennis player, who could not show resistance against the 22-time Grand Slam winner.
“At least I’m going to be here for two more days. I am almost gifted with the hope of doing my best,” she said on the track, as soon as she finished, the five-time champion in Madrid.
“Blanch is a young player who has a great career but who has lacked continuity. I have been correct and happy because the victory gives me the opportunity to play one more day in Madrid, which means a lot to me,” said the Spaniard.
“He needs to play more tournaments. He will do it for sure and he will do it very well. I wish him the best,” added the winner of twenty-two Grand Slams, who in the second round will face the Australian Alex de Miñaur, with whom he lost last week in Barcelona.
Rafa Nadal reflects on his return to the court
Rafael Nadal took the opportunity to talk about how difficult it is to return to the court and be physically well. He also revealed that a few weeks ago he didn’t know if he would continue playing.
“Winning or losing doesn’t affect me, it’s part of everyday life. What is difficult is to go out and go all out, until the end. Today I have to be a little more careful and for someone who understands the sport like me, going to the maximum, to the maximum, whatever the possibilities, is difficult. Three weeks ago I didn’t know if I could play an official match. Now I have two in a row and I am happy. “Things change quickly and I am here,” he said.
On a packed center court, plagued with a visible and expected emotional charge, Nadal felt the heat of a public willing to push the best Spanish athlete ever to the end. To respond with encouragement to possible physical setbacks that may affect the day-to-day life of the Balearic Islands.
Nobody wants to be part of the public on the last day in Madrid of the Balearic Islands. Hence the effort to prolong the stay of the spirit of the event.
Keep reading:
– Rafa Nadal returns to the Mutua Madrid Open and will be able to face Carlos Alcaraz in a possible final
– Tennis player Novak Djokovic won the 2024 Laureus award from Messi, known as the “Oscar of Sports”