Rafael Nadal got revenge on Alex De Minaur and proved that he can still compete with the best players as he downed the world No. 11 7-6 6-3 at the Madrid Open. It was a spicy match which saw Nadal fume at the umpire and demand the supervisor after some confusion over a challenge. But the 37-year-old overcame the drama to earn the biggest win of his comeback.
With the roof on the Manolo Santana Stadium closed, the cheers were deafening as home favourite Nadal walked out for what could be his final match in Madrid. The 37-year-old was looking for revenge after losing to De Minaur at last week’s Barcelona Open, where he was competitive for a set before things ran away from him and he lost 7-5 6-1.
But it was a much better start for the Spaniard, who immediately broke De Minaur to lead 2-0. Nadal’s level had already improved over the last 10 days as he reeled off some vintage forehand winners while the mistakes crept in for De Minaur, who was playing against a full stadium as well as the ‘King of Clay’.
But things suddenly turned with Nadal serving 15-30 down in the third game, as he thought he challenged one of De Minaur’s shots. The former world No. 1 stopped mid-rally and circled a ball mark, not realising that he needed to verbally request a challenge. Nadal stormed to the umpire and argued his case for several minutes, even demanding the supervisor as boos and whistles rang out.
But the chair official was firm on his decision and play resumed, with Nadal getting broken. De Minaur claimed another break to take a 4-3 lead but the Spaniard responded immediately and got straight back on serve. Producing the best tennis of his comeback, Nadal continued to dazzle the crowd with some vintage winners as he forced a tiebreak, storming into a 6-2 lead.
He blew four set points but earned a fifth when his ball clipped the net as he went for a backhand winner. This time he managed to claim the 76-minute set 7-6(6) when De Minaur sent the ball wrong, pumping his fists as the stadium erupted.
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