“It is part of the universal history of sport“, launched the stadium announcer with emphasis.
The time of an extended first set, 76 minutes long, “Rafa” was more than a pre-retirement legend who came to say goodbye at home. Much more, too, than a 512th player in the world, his rank of the week in the ATP rankings.
Stronger blows in the exchange, despite a certain waste, even a few strikes reminiscent of the time when he reigned as absolute sovereign on clay, brandished fists with biceps protruding: “if possible“, the Madrid public believed in it, and the Spanish equivalent of “Yes, you can” became the anthem of the day.
Even when things got complicated, and Nadal went from a break ahead (2-0) to a break behind (4-3), conceding a blank. Even when the decisive game seemed on the verge of escaping him, after four set points flew away.
Reissue effort
Was Nadal going to go the distance, he who has only played six matches since the start of the year, only ten since the start of 2023, with the physical limitations which he makes no secret of and which are now imposed on him? The answer is yes. For at least two hours. His dazzling return from a winning backhand which gave him two match points will not contradict him.
More “let’s not get carried away by the emotion of a match either“, insists”Rafa“.
“There are things I can’t yet do the way I would like. I sometimes need more powerful support and I still have to be a little careful, he describes. I have to be tactical: play so that things don’t go too fast, to have a little more time, attack when I can.“
Will he be able to repeat this type of effort? This is now the question that arises, before his next match against the Argentinian Pedro Cachin (91e).
Surprise exit from the road Stefanos Tsitsipas: the world No.7, who remained on a title in Monte-Carlo and a final in Barcelona, was surprised from the start by the Brazilian qualifier Thiago Monteiro 6-4, 6-4. Victorious entries into the competition in revenge of Jannik Sinner (6-0, 6-3 against Sonego) and Daniil Medvedev (2-6, 6-4, 6-4 against Arnaldi).
Every Swiatek (6-1, 6-1 against Cirstea) et Coco Gauff (6-4, 6-1 against Yastremska) reached the round of 16 with a bang.
