(Reuters) – Rafael Nadal survived a second set wobble to defeat Pedro Cachin 6-1 6-7(5) 6-3 in the Madrid Open third round on Monday.
Nadal, who beat 10th seed Alex de Minaur in the second round, held his nerve as he was tested by the 91st-ranked Argentine, who won his maiden ATP title at the 2023 Swiss Open.
“Some moments good, some moments not good, but I found a way,” the 37-year-old Nadal said.
Cachin struggled against his powerful forehand in the first set as the Spaniard broke twice to take a 5-1 lead before the match was temporarily paused with a spectator feeling unwell.
When play resumed, the five-times Madrid champion broke again to win the set.
Cachin started the second on a better note, taking a 4-1 lead helped by some fine cross-court backhands and, though Nadal broke twice to make it 5-5, he claimed the set in the tiebreak.
Both players broke early in the third, which stood at 2-2, but local favourite Nadal then broke twice more to emerge as the winner with the fans giving him a standing ovation.
“Day by day… playing in front of this crowd means everything to me,” said the 22-times Grand Slam champion.
Nadal next faces Czech Jiri Lehecka, who beat Brazilian qualifier Thiago Monteiro 6-4 7-6(7) to reach the fourth round.
Source: Reuters
Caja Magica is magic for you, Rafa. What an effort to fight back and win! Cachin will treasure that shirt, and we are grateful for every moment on court. Stay happy and
healthy👏👍💪🤛🎾🍀❤️ Enjoy, Mimi-take our best vibes with you to Madrid!
Vamos Rafa💪❤️ I am on my way to Madrid!😁
Still the king 👑 keep on playing Rafa
Nadal was not quite as sharp today as he was against de Minaur, but the important thing is that he managed to win, despite not playing at his best for some parts of the match. You could read his frustration at some of his shots. But it’s the third win in a row (which is great) and the more time he manages on court, the more he will find his form. The big test will be how he feels tomorrow after playing for 3 hours today, with no day off between matches. Cachin appeared to say some warm things to Rafa after the match and it was nice to see Rafa later walk over to him and gift him one of his shirts. Nadal is always such a class act both on and off the court!!
Well done. Very happy for Rafa.
Keep going, step by step. Just happy to see him back on the court❤️
You made me very glad, Rafa! Thank you! Vamos!