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As energetic as ever: Rafael Nadal is experiencing a kind of resurrection at the ATP 1000 tournament in Madrid.
Rafael Nadal announced before his first appearance that he would compete in the ATP 1000 tournament in Madrid for the last time. This clear statement came as a surprise because the Spaniard had previously only very vaguely hinted at the end of his career after the current season and had always kept a back door open in order to play beyond 2024.
The organizers around tournament director Feliciano Lopez reacted accordingly and prepared a homage to Nadal. A huge banner on the facade of the “Caja Magica” (German: Magic Box) is waiting to be unrolled and presented. Basically, it’s just waiting until Nadal is eliminated in Madrid. But – to the collective surprise – that hasn’t happened after three appearances by the Mallorcan.
Double endurance test passed
Last Saturday in particular, numerous Spanish and international stars from sports, entertainment and politics were present in the stadium. All of them – including Spain’s King Felipe – didn’t want to miss what could be Nadal’s last appearance in the state capital. But Nadal found the magic of old days again against Alex de Minaur (AUS/ATP 11) and prevailed in two sets against the same opponent against whom he had no chance in Barcelona a week earlier.
On Monday, the 37-year-old sent the “Caja Magica” into a madhouse again when he defeated Pedro Cachin (ARG/ATP 91) in 3 sets after over 3 hours. There was no sign of the physical problems that had kept Nadal away from the courts in recent weeks and months.
Not everything can be explained
Even Nadal himself can’t really explain the events of the last few days: “Three weeks ago I lost to every child in my academy. And now I’m playing and winning matches on the ATP tour again,” said the Spaniard after the win against Cachin.
And about his physical condition, Nadal added: “At the moment I don’t have the feeling that this game has done any harm to my body. Let’s see what it looks like on Tuesday.” Late on Tuesday evening the Spaniard will face Jiri Lehecka (CZE/ATP 31) in the round of 16.