Rafael Nadal brought the Spanish capital, Madrid, to a standstill when he announced he will be playing in the top-tier clay tournament for the final time. With two incredible victories, he was greeted like a King when he walked on the clay court for his third-round match against Pedro Cachin.
Despite being away for most of this season, Nadal’s comeback has received applause from home and abroad, especially tennis players. This season, the 37-year-old competed at the Brisbane International and reached the quarterfinals, and also sustained a hip injury. He withdrew from the Australian Open and Indian Wells Masters.
Hoping to come back for the clay season, he surprisingly pulled out of the Monte Carlo Masters. However, he made his comeback at the Barcelona Open, earning one win and second round exit. He followed the performance with a Madrid Open first-round incredible display. He defeated Darwin Blanch and went on to defeat Alex de Minaur to reach the third Open.
In the third-round match against Argentine Pedro Cachin, the Spanish legend was introduced to the court in an epic way. With humility and class, he waved his hands to the Spanish crowd who welcomed him with a mouthwatering ovation.
Besides that, Nadal means so much to the Spanish people. With five Madrid Open titles, he stands as the record winner of the tournament. He has also won the French Open a record 14 times, twice more than tennis legend Bjorn Borg in second position. Beating de Minaur on Saturday was his 408th win in the ATP Masters 1000 clay tournament.
Rafael Nadal beats Pedro Cachin to reach the fourth of Madrid Open
Rafael Nadal battled past Pedro Cachin 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-3 to reach the fourth round of the Mutua Madrid Open for the first time since 2022. Despite Cachin, ATP No.91 showing some strength in the second set, Nadal dictated most of the match with his backhand.
Nadal earned 14 winners in the first set, forcing Cachin to remain deep in his baseline. Cachin’s errors in the third set were his ultimate downfall. Nadal found a way to pounce on every mistake with a ferocious forehand that earned him the victory.
It was also Nadal’s 59th win in the Madrid Open. The 37-year-old has lost only 14 times at the Caja Majica. He will now go on to play Czech 22-year-old star Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round.
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