Nadal begins Madrid Open with straight-set win

Friday, 26 April 2024 02:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal began his Madrid Open farewell with a comfortable straight-set win over American teenager Darwin Blanch.

Spain’s five-time champion, who has indicated he plans to retire after the 2024 season, took just 63 minutes to complete a 6-1 6-0 victory.

The 37-year-old said this week he will only play at the French Open next month if he feels “capable enough to compete”.

Nadal will play Australian Alex de Minaur, who beat him in the second round of the Barcelona Open last week, in the next round.

The 22-time major winner was making his return following a three-month absence at the Barcelona Open, having feared he may not be able to play again on the professional tour.

The French Open, where Nadal is a record 14-time champion, starts on 26 May.