Emotional investment: Nadal is deeply passionate about tennis and invests a lot of emotional energy into his matches, which can result in visible reaction to both positive and negative moments

 

 

 

Andre Agassi’s former coach Brad Gilbert recently suggested that Rafael Nadal’s 2024 Madrid Open draw looked ‘a lot better’ after his second-round win over Alex de Minaur.

Five-time Madrid Open champion, Nadal kicked off what could potentially be his final Madrid Open tournament with a victory over 16-year-old American Darwin Blanch 6-1, 6-0 in the first round. He then went on to defeat De Minaur 7-6(6), 6-3 to secure his spot in the third round.This win marked the Spaniard’s first victory against a top-20 opponent since the 2022 ATP Finals. He also prevented Alex de Minaur, who had previously defeated him in the second round of the 2024 Barcelona Open, from becoming the first player to beat the 22-time Grand Slam champion in consecutive tournaments since Roger Federer in 2017 at the Indian Wells Masters and the Miami Open.

Rafael Nadal will next go up against World No. 91 Pedro Cachin in the third round of the 2024 Madrid Open. The Spaniard secured his spot in the third round after defeating Darwin Blanch and Alex de Minaur in the first and second rounds respectively.

Meanwhile, Pedro Cachin kicked off his Madrid Open campaign with a convincing 6-3, 6-3 win over Sebastian Ofner in the first round. He then went on to defeat Frances Tiafoe 7-6(1), 3-6, 6-4 in the second round to set up his third-round match against Rafael Nadal.

Reacting to Rafael Nadal’s victory over Darwin Blanch, Brad Gilbert took to social media to express his thoughts. He stated that the Spaniard had completely outclassed Blanch, who, according to him, appeared “overwhelmed” during the match.Gilbert also stated that the upcoming second-round match at the ATP Masters 1000 Madrid tournament, where the 37-year-old will face Alex de Minaur, will be “interesting” to watch.

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Following his win over 16-year-old Darwin Blanch at the 2024 Madrid Open, Rafael Nadal gave his thoughts on the match. He praised Blanch, stating that the American was a player with a “great future” ahead.