Nadal gets even with De Minaur at Madrid Open. Top seeds Sinner and Swiatek advance
MADRID (AP) — Rafael Nadal tore his headband off, thrust his arms in the air, and soaked up the cheers. It was only a second-round win, but coming from where Nadal had been just a few weeks ago when he couldn’t even get on the court, he could have been savoring a trophy.
He had just beaten 11th-ranked Alex de Minaur 7-6 (6), 6-3 at the Madrid Open on Saturday, avenging a straight-set loss to the Australian less than two weeks ago.
Nadal is no longer aiming to add to his 92 titles after being decimated by injuries in recent years. The 37-year-old just wants to play like Rafael Nadal, or as close to that as he can. So he is going forward game by game, measuring his efforts to avoid an injury that would likely force his definitive retirement, with the ultimate goal of being competitive one more time at next month’s French Open.
“I have been through some very difficult months when there were moments when I didn’t see the reason to continue, but I had the dream of experiencing feelings like this again and above all at home,” Nadal said. “It was incredible.”
Related articles
Travis Kelce downs whiskey shot on slice of bread at Kelce Jam without Taylor Swift
Travis Kelce was spotted taking a whiskey shot from a slice of bread in true southern fashion as he2024-05-21History with Maple Leafs could help Bruins snap short playoff slump
BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Bruins may have found just the solution to their playoff slump: A first-rou2024-05-21At playoff time, NHL teams march to the beat of their goaltenders and count on them to save the day
DENVER (AP) — Colorado goaltender Alexandar Georgiev went home after a recent shaky outing and immed2024-05-21Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula explores selling non
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula are exploring the possibility of2024-05-21NBA playoffs: Edwards leads Wolves to 98
DENVER (AP) — Anthony Edwards overcame a slow start and the Timberwolves roared back from a 20-point2024-05-21Idaho group explores ballot initiative for abortion rights, reproductive care
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A new Idaho organization says it will ask voters to restore abortion access and2024-05-21
atest comment