21-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal saved four match points to reach the quarterfinals of the Madrid Masters tournament with a 6-3, 5-7, 7-6(9) win over David Goffin in three hours and ten minutes.
“It was an unforgettable night. The spirit that the Real Madrid team has is just incredible. For me today, in some ways it has been an inspiration in the way I have been fighting all my tennis career.
“Honestly, it was a very tough match. I think I played at a very high level. But at the same time I am not completely happy because I have to finish the match in straight sets, without a doubt.
“Three hours and 10 [minutes] on court, that helps to increase my physical performance. A very important victory, saving match points. That’s confidence, that gives me the chance to keep going. I need matches and I need a day like to day to be fitter sooner.”
Rafa will next play either Carlos Alcaraz or Cameron Norrie in the quarterfinals of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event.
Source: ATP Tour
Good luck to the next one….💪💪💪
I was not in a position to watch the match so followed on Twitter. The third set was was nerve wrecking and the tie breaker worse still. Rafa showed why he’s the best saving match points. Was it 3? Glorious win and will give him more belief. Well done Rafa 👏👏 🇪🇸
Gosh I had tears in my eyes when Rafa won. So close but a really good test for Roland Garros. Vamos.
There is no better come back King. Oh wait. Maybe the Clay Court King. Or maybe the Tennis King. Or actually the Sporting King. 😘 Vamos Rafa. Even if we all cling to the cliff we will hang on forever with you!!
Nicely said Jill – couldnt have put it better myself ! Like the bit about clinging to the cliff and hanging in there with Rafa 😊😁👍
Rafa hung tough in there! Wow. Goffin did everything he could, and yet Rafa found a way.
Very encouraging signs from our champ!
There is no other…..Rafa is d MAN!!!!!
Oh man. I don’t even know what comment to write here, cause I had an anxiety attack every time Goffin gets match point. But you know Rafa, always has something up his sleeves.
That’s why he is the true GOAT of tennis.
VAMOS RAFA. Good luck in the next round. We’ll keep our fingers crossed.
😱😱 Both players had 4 match points…I am glad Rafa found a way at the end, Rafa magic!👏💪
All the best vs C. Norrie/C. Alcaraz tomorrow🍀❤️
You’re amazing Rafa 🙌🏽 Good luck for your remaining matches. Well played David Goffin 👍🏼
You are Magic man, Rafa. Fantastic grit and will to win. Stay healthy-this was 🤯all the best👏👍🤛💪🎾🍀❤️
King Of Clay is BACK!!!!!!
Somebody pass me a bottle of vodka, please! That was extremely stressful, but he did brilliantly to come through in the end.
you and me both. Geez. Rafa just scared the crap out of us.
That was a channel Turner for sure! Rafa needs more free points! That was brutal! His body can’t take such physical matches… tomorrow will be even harder with Carlos! However if he loses it’s fine because I don’t think anyone can beat RAFA the best out of five on clay! He’s only won Madrid five times 😜 Best of luck Rafa … I’m not ready to give you up yet!
Vamos Rafa👍👍 step by step. Take rest and than all the best for tomorrow❤️
Keep the good work up rafa what a mat