Revenge is sweet for Nadal
Rafael Nadal avenged his defeat to Alex de Minaur from Barcelona with a 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 victory over the Australian to extend his stay in Madrid on his final appearance at his home tournament but admitted he still “needs time” to return to his competitive peak.
Nadal’s farewell tour has pitted him against De Minaur twice in as many weeks but this time the result was reversed as the 22-time Grand Slam champion advanced to a third-round meeting with Argentina’s Pedro Cachin.
In front of a capacity crowd that included the King of Spain, Felipe VI, French football icon Zinedine Zidane, and Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, Nadal dug deep to dismiss the world No.11, despite admitting ahead of the tournament he was still struggling with numerous physical issues.
It was an impressive performance from the 37-year-old but he immediately dismissed the idea it was anywhere near his vintage form.
“No, not yet. It needs time,” said Nadal on court.
“To play over two hours means a lot to me and the atmosphere here is just a joke.
“Just step by step and let’s see how I recover.”
Five-time Madrid champion Nadal said he will not make a decision on playing at the French Open until after Rome which starts next week, and explained the factor that would determine his participation.
“It’s not about losing or winning. It’s about going on court with the feeling I can fight and I can be competitive,” said the 14-time French Open champion. “If I am not able to go on court and dream it doesn’t make sense to go.
“I prefer to stay with all the memories I have.”