The best Nadal is slowly making his way. The Spaniard has shown that he is slowly reaching the level he is looking for to deserve to do something great at Roland Garros with a big win this Saturday against Alex de Minaurhis executioner just ten days ago in Godó and the first victory against a ‘top 20’ since November 2022.
The five-time champion in the capital took (7-6(6), 6-3) a very tough match where he started to take the lead thanks to an early break that ignited the spirit of the huge crowd filling the Manolo Santana court at the Caja Mágica.
however, a discussion with Fergus Murphy, the chair managerafter asking for a review of the ball thrown by his rival, but the referee said he did not ask for the hawk’s eye to center on him.
On top of that, De Minaur gradually focused and was able to turn the score around. with two near-consecutive breaks seemingly returning Nadal to the reality of a player with a lack of competitive rhythm.
But the best version of the former number 1 appearedwhich put another gear to dominate from under a rival with more doubts.
After balancing the handicap break, The set was decided in a tiebreaker with Nadal leading the charge to 6-2. but ended up closing in extremis 8-6.
The time has come to see if the Balearic player has the ability to maintain the level and not collapse in the face of De Minaur’s supposed push, a doubt that was removed after the break in the opening game.
Despite the Australian’s continued attempts, Nadal dismissed ex officio to maintain a slim advantage until the end and close out the match with a final break sealed by De Minaur with a double fault.
“I have had many difficult months. On a personal and professional level and thinking with hope to survive an afternoon like this. Thank you all very much. There is room for improvement. It means a lot to me that I was able to play the entire game; last week I couldn’t do it and I have played for more than two hours and I have the possibility to play again on this court,” Nadal declared at the foot of the court.
The Spaniard will face Argentine Pedro Cachín, executioner of American Francis Tiafoe, in the third round next Monday. “I have never played against Cachín. He is a tough and dangerous player. I will do my best to heal properly and be ready on Monday.” he concluded.
Source: La Verdad
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