Rafael Nadal secured a notable victory over Alex de Minaur in Madrid, avenging his earlier defeat in Barcelona.
Despite acknowledging his ongoing physical challenges, Nadal expressed satisfaction with his performance while emphasizing the need for patience in his return to top form.
Nadal's triumph over Alex de Minaur ensured his progression to the third round, where he is set to face Argentina's Pedro Cachin. The match, witnessed by a prestigious audience including the King of Spain, Felipe VI, French football legend Zinedine Zidane, and Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, showcased Nadal's resilience and determination, reported AFP.
Reflecting on his performance, Nadal remained grounded, stating, "No, not yet. It needs time." He underscored the importance of gradual progress and emphasized his focus on recovery.
The tennis icon disclosed his deliberation regarding participation in the upcoming French Open, highlighting the significance of feeling competitive and prepared. Nadal's decision will be influenced by his confidence in his ability to perform at his best.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, however, faced an unexpected exit from the tournament, conceding defeat to Thiago Monteiro. The Brazilian qualifier's victory marked a significant milestone in his career, securing a spot in the third round of a Masters 1000 event for the first time.
Jannik Sinner, the top seed, continued his dominance against fellow Italians, extending his unbeaten record in Italian matchups. Daniil Medvedev staged a remarkable comeback to overcome Matteo Arnaldi, setting up a third-round clash with American Sebastian Korda.
In the women's category, Iga Swiatek showcased her prowess with a convincing victory over Sorana Cirstea. Swiatek's seamless performance sets the stage for an intriguing encounter with Sara Sorribes Tormo in the next round.
Meanwhile, Ons Jabeur demonstrated resilience in her hard-fought victory against Leylah Fernandez, while Coco Gauff displayed her composure to secure a commanding win over Dayana Yastremska.