(AP) – Rafael Nadal tore his headband off, thrust his arms in the air, and soaked up the cheers. It was only a second-round win, but coming from where Nadal had been just a few weeks ago when he couldn’t even get on the court, he could have been savoring a trophy.
He had just beaten Alex de Minaur 7-6 (6), 6-3 at the Madrid Open on Saturday, avenging a straight-set loss to the Australian less than two weeks ago.
Nadal is no longer aiming to add to his 92 titles after being decimated by injuries in recent years. The 37-year-old just wants to play like Rafael Nadal, or as close to that as he can. So he is going forward game by game, measuring his efforts to avoid an injury that would likely force his definitive retirement, with the ultimate goal of being competitive one more time at next month’s French Open.
“I have been through some very difficult months when there were moments when I didn’t see the reason to continue, but I had the dream of experiencing feelings like this again and above all at home,” Nadal said. “It was incredible.”
The 22-time Grand Slam champion was cheered on by Spanish King Felipe VI, soccer great Zinedine Zidane and a raucous crowd that packed the Caja Magica to see what will most likely be the tennis great’s last tournament in Spain.
Nadal was playing just his fourth competitive match since his latest injury layoff in his farewell season.
The 11th-ranked De Minaur beat Nadal just 11 days before in Barcelona, where the Spaniard returned to the courts for the first time in more than three months. Nadal looked much better this time around.
The first set saw both players break serve twice. De Minaur then saved four set points before Nadal finished him off in the tiebreak to take the lead. Nadal pressed his advantage, broke De Minaur’s first service game of the second set and closed out the victory.
Nothing less than sports royalty in his Spain, Nadal grunted out his first “Vamos!” (Let’s go!), more to himself than his staff or fans, after winning his first point. He pumped his fists after landing his hammer of a left-hand drive; he argued heatedly with the chair judge over whether or not he challenged a line call on time; he shook his head when he hit long, chiding himself for not adjusting to Madrid’s high altitude.
And the crowd ate it up, shouting “Viva Rafa!” between points and “Ole! Ole! Ole!” after his backhand winner set up match point. De Minaur double-faulted to do himself in.
Nadal has won a record five times in Madrid, the last time in 2017.
Next up will he face Pedro Cachin in the third round after the Argentine beat Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (1), 3-6, 6-4.
Rafa played well and I think he was playing pretty much pain free which gives us hope for Rafa playing competitive and winning tennis at Roland Garros .
Well done Rafa👏👏👏
So happy for you❤️
One more, and another, and another… this is how Rafael Nadal’s ‘resurrections’ happen. What we experienced today in the Caja Mágica we did not know if it was a tennis match or a Easter Sunday. What a way to give yourself one more chance, what a way to rise from the ashes. Who said that today was Rafa Nadal’s last match in Madrid? Who dared to doubt? The apostles ran around the outskirts of the Magic Box in search of signs that would revive faith, it was not easy. It seemed the last, but blessed are those who believed without having seen.
After his umpteenth feat in the Caja Mágica, Rafa looked happy, with contained joy, but joy. It is no small thing to see Nadal smile. We missed his smile and perhaps the tournament has already been worth it just to see him smile once again: “I was able to endure a game of more than two hours, in front of the people of Madrid, which is amazing. I am happy because a few days ago it was difficult to think that he could be in the third round. I have reached a good level of tennis, I think I have done positive things,” confessed the Mallorcan player.
Congrats Rafa!👏 It was a joy watching you.❤️ Vamos💪
Winning today in madrid against Alex de minaur was huge for Rafa’s confidence, especially after losing to him last week in Barcelona. Rafa is on the right path and heavily favored to reach at least the quarterfinals in his part of the draw as long as his body holds up. The draw can continue to open up. Good luck and Vamos Rafa!
Oh Rafa!! Vamos!! I savor every moment. Keep fighting and smiling and keep going!!
I think Nadal second serve win percentage needs to be 2 or 3 % higher and his backhand need to be a bit more stable both in return and during rallies. His forehands and serve needs more spins and speed Then if his physicals from threat of injuries to the stamina that must be build for the road to FO. Nadal doesn’t trust his physicals fully yet. If all these things happen, he has a great chance at FO. But the problem is injury can happen between points, and even between practice.
The King of Spain cheers the King of Clay! Rafa played much better and the fans were so terrific. Only his first serves were less, but that is a small point. I was so happy Rafa could have such a wonderful win in his beloved home.
Congratulations rafa great win l was on the end of my seat watching you vamos and hope you get the chance to play and win next match xxxx
Congrats Rafa! You looked great, and time to savor these moments! One day of rest, practice, win, repeat…onwards and upwards from here! You will only get better and better…and hope to see you play and peak at Roland Garros- Vamos!!
The joy on Rafa’s face after the victory was a wonderful sight to behold. How I missed the fist pumps and the vamos. I’m so glad to see them back again.
It’s no longer about winning trophies, although that would be amazing. It’s more about Rafa re-discovering old feelings, finding a good level and sustaining it physically. He certainly did that today with the crowd right behind him. Well done champ. On to the next step.
So exciting and rewarding to watch Rafa again! He is so special as a man and even more special as a tennis champion!
Yes, Yes, yes……the real Rafa came alive!!!!!!! Vamos vamos.So happy for you. .No matter what you have TODAY.
Wow what a match! Rafa looked fantastic, great shots and movement. And he was clearly feeling his game and enjoying every moment of it. Loved to see him with the fist pumps after winning the first set tie-breaker and then taking in the love of the fans after his victory. Simply wonderful and hope he is able to continue playing with such joy and confidence!!!
Savouring these moments with you, Rafa👏👍Thank you for a fantastic effort-you said
you did not have great expectations, but that victory smile is stunning🤛💪🙏🎾❤️
Rafa passed a great test today. Mentally, to beat the player who defeated him just a few days ago. It will definitely boost his confidence.
Stay sharp champ, one day at a time.
Now that is a great victory, in more ways than one. Congratulations to Rafa and his team! The crowd in Madrid also was a big factor in Rafa’s favor
Best part is that he can play at least one more match and improve even more. Rafa down plays his performance but I thought he looked really good especially when he was in control in the second set.
And this is what we wanted to witness, looks like he has been working on his physical self as well as his mental aptitude.
Totally different look from the last match with De Minaur. That said I’m so happy and congrats one more time.
The KING is here!!!