ATP Madrid: Rafael Nadal wins comeback - but has to stretch in the end
Rafael Nadal (ATP No. 4) reached the round of 16 on his comeback as part of the Masters tournament in Madrid.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: May 04, 2022, 06:49 pm
Nadal beat Miomir Kecmanovic 6-1, 7-6 ( and thus celebrated a successful return to the tour after his injury-related break.
Nadal, Australian Open Champion this year, got off to a good start, he played offensively in a controlled manner, gave Kecmanovic little and set the pace confidently. Even a short break in the rain at the beginning of the second set didn't seem to upset the 35-year-old. After making the break to make it 3-2 and briefly forgetting the score, things seemed clear, but Kecmanovic came back. Likewise, after Nadal had managed another break.
In the tie-break, Nadal pulled away after mistakes on both sides to make it 6: 4, and he confirmed his victory with his third ace.