Category: Rafael Nadal

Nadal to face 16-year-old in Madrid opener – when is the match and what’s his draw?

April 22, 2024

Rafael Nadal continues his clay comeback at the Madrid Open this week.

That was his first clay event since winning the 2022 French Open and he will look for further steps forward in Madrid.

What is Nadal’s draw in Madrid? Who will he play and when will he play? We run through everything you need to know…

When is Nadal playing in Madrid?

The ATP main draw at the Madrid Open starts on Wednesday, April 24.

Nadal will play his first match on either April 24 or April 25.

Who is Nadal playing in Madrid?

Nadal is using his protected ranking to enter the Madrid Open so is unseeded.

He will face 16-year-old American Darwin Blanch in the first round of the tournament.

If Nadal gets past wildcard Blanch he will face a rematch against Alex de Minaur in the second round.

Frances Tiafoe could await in the third round and then Monte Carlo champion Stefanos Tsitsipas is a potential fourth-round opponent.

Are Djokovic and Alcaraz playing in Madrid?

Those hoping for another Nadal v Novak Djokovic clash in Madrid were disappointed as the world No. 1 pulled out of the tournament.

Djokovic, who watched El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona in Madrid on Sunday, has not given an official reason for his withdrawal.

Carlos Alcaraz is in the draw as he looks to overcome an arm injury and win his third Madrid Open in a row.

The world No. 3 hasn’t played since losing in the Miami Open quarter-finals due to injury, missing both Monte Carlo and Barcelona.

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Carlos Alcaraz is the defending champion in Madrid

Image credit: Getty Images

He has a first-round bye as the second seed and will open against either Alexander Shevchenko or Arthur Rinderknech.

Lorenzo Musetti could await in the third round, while Holger Rune is seeded to be a quarter-final opponent.

World No. 2 Jannik Sinner will be the top seed at the Madrid Open and could face fellow Italian Lorenzo Sonego in his first match.

Nadal aiming to build momentum

After several false starts, Nadal’s comeback got up and running in Barcelona.

The main focus remains building up fitness and getting match practice ahead of the French Open, which starts on May 26.

“I have to behave in Madrid according to how I feel,” said Nadal.

“If I can do a week of practice sessions in Madrid with quality players, if I can play sets every day, if my body gets used to that level of competition and I feel I’m ready, then I’ll be able to progress.

“If my body can cope with the progressive load, it’ll help me week after week to be able to try and demand more. I hope so. But that’s the reality. The logical thing would be to take it progressively, to try and take one more step in Madrid. Not in terms of matches, because that depends on the competition. I’ve played very little. But in terms of being able to fight for it a little more in Madrid, then more still in Rome.

“In Paris, then it’s in the lap of the gods. If I’m going to give it a shot, that would be the time to do it. Whatever happens, that is the place.”

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Nadal confirmed for Team Europe at Laver Cup – ‘An incredible experience’

April 22, 2024

Rafael Nadal will make what is likely to be his final Laver Cup appearance for Team Europe in September.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who indicated last year that this would be his final season on the circuit, joins a star-studded line up for the three-day event against Team World in Berlin.

Nadal recently made his latest comeback from injury at the Barcelona Open last week and will take on Darwin Blanch in the first round of the Madrid Open next as he continues his build-up to Roland Garros.

Although the former world No. 1 has hinted he could play on past this year, it is expected that the 37-year-old will retire at the end of the campaign.

Nadal last played at the Laver Cup in 2022, Roger Federer’s farewell tournament, when he partnered his long-time rival in the doubles. Both men were famously in tears afterwards.

“I have some really special memories from my Laver Cup experiences, including all the emotions from London two years ago playing alongside Roger for the last time,” said Nadal in a statement, who has played the event three times.
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‘That’s brilliant!’ – Nadal flashes stunning winner as Federer celebrates

“At this stage in my career I really want to go out there and make the most of every opportunity I am given. Teaming up is always an incredible experience and I have always enjoyed it, the competition is different and exciting.

“I’m looking forward to going to Berlin and helping Team Europe win back the Laver Cup.”

Nadal joins a Team Europe squad which includes Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev, with more to be announced.

“Rafa is an absolute legend in our sport, a true champion in every sense of the word,” said Team Europe captain Bjorn Borg.

“It’s my last year as Captain. Having him on Team Europe this year was a goal of mine and I’m thrilled he has accepted my invitation and will be with us in Berlin. ”

Team World thumped Team Europe 13-2 during last year’s edition in Vancouver, though Borg was only able to count on two top-10 players: Andrey Rublev and Casper Ruud.

John McEnroe named the first three players for his Team World squad earlier this month, naming Alex de Minaur, Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul as his first picks.

The 2024 Laver Cup will take place on September 20-22, with coverage on Eurosport and discovery+.

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Madrid Open: Are Nadal, Djokovic, Alcaraz and Raducanu playing?

April 20, 2024

The Madrid Open will feature the top stars from the ATP and WTA tours.

Carlos Alcaraz has won the men’s title the last two successive years and is bidding to become the first player to win three in a row.

The women’s trophy was won by Aryna Sabalenka as she beat Iga Swiatek in the final.

Who’s playing the Madrid Open this season? Are Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Alcaraz, Swiatek and Sabalenka playing? When is the draw?

When is the Madrid Open?

The WTA main draw at the Madrid Open starts on Tuesday, April 23 and the ATP main draw starts on Wednesday, April 24.

Play starts at 10am UK time every day until midway through the second week. From May 1 to May 3, play begins at midday UK time, and on finals weekend play starts at 2.30pm.

There are also night sessions running from April 26 to May 3 which start at 7pm.

The women’s final will be held on Saturday, May 4 and the men’s final will be on Sunday, May 5.

When is the Madrid Open draw?

The women’s singles draw will be held on Sunday, April 21 at 5pm UK time and the men’s draw will be on Monday, April 22.

Who is playing the Madrid Open?

The Madrid Open was set to be the first clay event that both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have played since the 2022 French Open – until Djokovic pulled out.

Djokovic has not given a reason for his withdrawal, but his absence means world No. 2 Jannik Sinner will be the top seed.

Nadal will be unseeded as he continues his comeback using a protected ranking.

Carlos Alcaraz’s status is unknown after he missed Monte Carlo and Barcelona due to an arm injury.

The world No. 3 is in Madrid ahead of the tournament, but said last week in Barcelona: “My goal is to try and go to the Madrid Open, but at the moment nothing is certain.

“I was given specific recovery times and I’ve respected them, but I haven’t felt good. I don’t want to get ahead of myself.”

Alcaraz hasn’t played since losing in the Miami Open quarter-finals.

Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka will headline the women’s draw.

The pair contested the final in Madrid last year and as the top two seeds could meet again with the trophy on the line.

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Aryna Sabalenka won Madrid in 2023

Image credit: Getty Images

Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina will be among those looking to challenge for the title, while two-time champion Simona Halep and former runner-up Caroline Wozniacki have both got wildcards.

This will be Halep’s second tournament since returning to the tour after her doping ban was reduced from four years to nine months.

Naomi Osaka is also on the entry list but Emma Raducanu isn’t currently in the draw.

However, as she is not ranked high enough for entry, unless she gets a late wildcard she looks set to miss Madrid.

Djokovic set for Rome return

This is only the third time since 2015 that Djokovic has not won a title by this stage of the season.

The other two times were in 2022, when he was unable to play in Australia or the United States due to being unvaccinated for Covid-19, and 2018, when he had elbow surgery early in the year.

This season he had only played three tournaments before Monte Carlo, losing to Alex de Minaur at the United Cup, Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semis, and then the upset in the third round at Indian Wells against lucky loser Luca Nardi.

It looks like he is next going to play the Italian Open, which starts on May 8, as he builds up for the French Open, Wimbledon and Olympics.

“I want to reach my peak for Paris – that’s where I want to play my best tennis,” said Djokovic in Monte Carlo.

“Anything else is a bonus, so let’s see what happens.”

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Madrid Open: Are Nadal, Djokovic, Alcaraz and Raducanu playing?

April 20, 2024

The Madrid Open will feature the top stars from the ATP and WTA tours.

Carlos Alcaraz has won the men’s title the last two successive years and is bidding to become the first player to win three in a row.

The women’s trophy was won by Aryna Sabalenka as she beat Iga Swiatek in the final.

Who’s playing the Madrid Open this season? Are Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Alcaraz, Swiatek and Sabalenka playing? When is the draw?

When is the Madrid Open?

The WTA main draw at the Madrid Open starts on Tuesday, April 23 and the ATP main draw starts on Wednesday, April 24.

Play starts at 10am UK time every day until midway through the second week. From May 1 to May 3, play begins at midday UK time, and on finals weekend play starts at 2.30pm.

There are also night sessions running from April 26 to May 3 which start at 7pm.

The women’s final will be held on Saturday, May 4 and the men’s final will be on Sunday, May 5.

When is the Madrid Open draw?

The women’s singles draw will be held on Sunday, April 21 at 5pm UK time and the men’s draw will be on Monday, April 22.

Who is playing the Madrid Open?

The Madrid Open was set to be the first clay event that both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have played since the 2022 French Open – until Djokovic pulled out.

Djokovic has not given a reason for his withdrawal, but his absence means world No. 2 Jannik Sinner will be the top seed.

Nadal will be unseeded as he continues his comeback using a protected ranking.

Carlos Alcaraz’s status is unknown after he missed Monte Carlo and Barcelona due to an arm injury.

The world No. 3 is in Madrid ahead of the tournament, but said last week in Barcelona: “My goal is to try and go to the Madrid Open, but at the moment nothing is certain.

“I was given specific recovery times and I’ve respected them, but I haven’t felt good. I don’t want to get ahead of myself.”

Alcaraz hasn’t played since losing in the Miami Open quarter-finals.

Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka will headline the women’s draw.

The pair contested the final in Madrid last year and as the top two seeds could meet again with the trophy on the line.

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Aryna Sabalenka won Madrid in 2023

Image credit: Getty Images

Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina will be among those looking to challenge for the title, while two-time champion Simona Halep and former runner-up Caroline Wozniacki have both got wildcards.

This will be Halep’s second tournament since returning to the tour after her doping ban was reduced from four years to nine months.

Naomi Osaka is also on the entry list but Emma Raducanu isn’t currently in the draw.

However, as she is not ranked high enough for entry, unless she gets a late wildcard she looks set to miss Madrid.

Djokovic set for Rome return

This is only the third time since 2015 that Djokovic has not won a title by this stage of the season.

The other two times were in 2022, when he was unable to play in Australia or the United States due to being unvaccinated for Covid-19, and 2018, when he had elbow surgery early in the year.

This season he had only played three tournaments before Monte Carlo, losing to Alex de Minaur at the United Cup, Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semis, and then the upset in the third round at Indian Wells against lucky loser Luca Nardi.

It looks like he is next going to play the Italian Open, which starts on May 8, as he builds up for the French Open, Wimbledon and Olympics.

“I want to reach my peak for Paris – that’s where I want to play my best tennis,” said Djokovic in Monte Carlo.

“Anything else is a bonus, so let’s see what happens.”

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Nadal says French Open is moment to ‘give everything’ after Barcelona exit

April 17, 2024

Nadal, 37, was playing his first tournament in three months due to injuries, and his first on clay since winning the 2022 French Open.

Nadal showed flashes of his best against De Minaur but fell away in the second set as he lost 7-5 6-1, and said afterwards that it is about building towards the French Open this summer.

“On a personal level, for what is to come, the 6-1 in the second set is what had to happen today,” said Nadal.

“It wasn’t today that I had to give everything and die, I have to give myself the chance to do that in a few weeks, or at least try to.

“I will try to take a step further in Madrid, then another one in Rome and, in Paris… there is the moment to do it, whatever happens, there is no better place to.”

Nadal is a 14-time winner of the French Open and is expected to also target a medal at the Paris Olympics, which are held at Roland-Garros.

He said he was encouraged by his performances in his two matches in Barcelona.

“Alex is a great player. In terms of tennis today, he was in better shape than me,” said Nadal.

“He has really played at a very high level since the beginning of the season. I think he has made a very important step forward in his level of tennis. I’m just happy for him and I congratulate him for the level he played today.

“I didn’t practise a lot, so that [performance] encourages me to keep going. It tells me that, if I’m able to spend days on the tour and keep practising with the players, I really hope and believe that I can keep being competitive. If my body allows me to push the way that I need.”

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Alex de Minaur is playing against Rafa Nadal in the round of 32 at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, 71st Conde de Godo Trophy, at the Real Club de Tennis Barcelona 1899, in Barcelona, Spain.

Image credit: Getty Images

Nadal was uncertain to play in Barcelona after pulling out of Indian Wells and Monte Carlo due to injury issues.

“I feel much more comfortable and happier today than one week and a half ago,” he added.

“I was able to manage to play two matches, played against a great player. I was not very far [away], without a doubt. I feel myself, if I am able to keep practising days on the tour, and my body allows me to spend hours on court and have practices the way that I need.

“I hope to be competitive. I hope and believe I can be competitive in a few weeks. That’s the way that I need to proceed today, and to give me a chance to be ready at least to compete at Roland-Garros.”

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Nadal says French Open is moment to ‘give everything’ after Barcelona exit

April 17, 2024

Nadal, 37, was playing his first tournament in three months due to injuries, and his first on clay since winning the 2022 French Open.

Nadal showed flashes of his best against De Minaur but fell away in the second set as he lost 7-5 6-1, and said afterwards that it is about building towards the French Open this summer.

“On a personal level, for what is to come, the 6-1 in the second set is what had to happen today,” said Nadal.

“It wasn’t today that I had to give everything and die, I have to give myself the chance to do that in a few weeks, or at least try to.

“I will try to take a step further in Madrid, then another one in Rome and, in Paris… there is the moment to do it, whatever happens, there is no better place to.”

Nadal is a 14-time winner of the French Open and is expected to also target a medal at the Paris Olympics, which are held at Roland-Garros.

He said he was encouraged by his performances in his two matches in Barcelona.

“Alex is a great player. In terms of tennis today, he was in better shape than me,” said Nadal.

“He has really played at a very high level since the beginning of the season. I think he has made a very important step forward in his level of tennis. I’m just happy for him and I congratulate him for the level he played today.

“I didn’t practise a lot, so that [performance] encourages me to keep going. It tells me that, if I’m able to spend days on the tour and keep practising with the players, I really hope and believe that I can keep being competitive. If my body allows me to push the way that I need.”

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Alex de Minaur is playing against Rafa Nadal in the round of 32 at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, 71st Conde de Godo Trophy, at the Real Club de Tennis Barcelona 1899, in Barcelona, Spain.

Image credit: Getty Images

Nadal was uncertain to play in Barcelona after pulling out of Indian Wells and Monte Carlo due to injury issues.

“I feel much more comfortable and happier today than one week and a half ago,” he added.

“I was able to manage to play two matches, played against a great player. I was not very far [away], without a doubt. I feel myself, if I am able to keep practising days on the tour, and my body allows me to spend hours on court and have practices the way that I need.

“I hope to be competitive. I hope and believe I can be competitive in a few weeks. That’s the way that I need to proceed today, and to give me a chance to be ready at least to compete at Roland-Garros.”

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Nadal beaten by De Minaur as clay comeback halted in Barcelona

April 17, 2024

Rafael Nadal’s clay comeback was halted in the second round in Barcelona as he was beaten by in-form Alex de Minaur.

Playing his first tournament in four months due to injuries, Nadal hit 11 winners and 42 unforced errors as he lost 7-5 6-1.

It is the earliest 12-time champion Nadal has lost at the Barcelona Open since his debut in 2003.

De Minaur has been one of the form players on the ATP Tour this year and broke Nadal’s serve in the opening game.

Nadal rallied to get level at 3-3, unleashing his trademark backhand with a drilled cross-court winner past an outstretched De Minaur.

But De Minaur finished the set on a hot streak as he won 11 points in a row to move ahead.

Nadal saved a break point in the first game of the second set but couldn’t hang on in his next service game as a loose forehand and missed volley gave De Minaur the break.

Nadal continued to battle but was coming off second best in most exchanges as De Minaur moved 4-1 ahead with another break of serve.

The Australian wrapped up the victory in just under two hours as Nadal went long with another forehand.

Draper fights back to reach Bavaria quarters

British No. 2 Jack Draper came from a set down to beat Rudolf Molleker and reach the quarter-finals of the Bavarian International in Munich.

Draper didn’t create a single break-point chance in the opening set, but came out firing after a 45-minute rain delay and won 4-6 6-1 6-1.

He will face third seed Taylor Fritz or Alejandro Moro Canas in the last eight.

“He played an amazing level in the first set,” said Draper.

“The conditions were very rainy and slow, so it was tough to come out and play a certain way. In the second and third, the sun came out and I started feeling better. better. I’m really proud of how I played.”

Top seed Alexander Zverev was leading 7-6(3) 0-1 against Jurij Rodionov when the match was suspended due to rain.

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Nadal makes triumphant clay return after emphatic win over Cobolli

April 16, 2024

Rafael Nadal made an emphatic return to clay, cruising to a 6-2 6-3 win over Flavio Cobolli in the first round of the Barcelona Open.

The 37-year-old ended an almost two-year wait to compete on the surface once again after winning the 2022 French Open men’s singles final, and dispatched the Italian in the space of one hour and 25 minutes.

After already missing the Australian Open, Indian Wells and the Monte-Carlo Masters, the 22-time Grand Slam winner rolled back the years in Catalonia.

Nadal confirms he will play in Barcelona after ‘last-minute’ decision

April 15, 2024

Rafael Nadal has confirmed that he will make his long-awaited return to tennis by playing in the upcoming Barcelona Open.

Nadal hasn’t played since the Brisbane International in January due to injury and has subsequently had to withdraw from a host of big tournaments including the Australian Open, Indian Wells and the Monte-Carlo Masters.

Nadal had suffered a muscle tear on his troublesome hip that robbed him of his 2023 season and there has been real concern over his participation at his favourite Grand Slam, the French Open, which you can watch live on Eurosport and discovery+.

But speaking at a press conference on Monday, Nadal has confirmed that he will be able to take part in Barcelona, an event he has won a record 12 times.

“I came here a bit on a last minute decision, not knowing if I could play,” Nadal said.

“But tomorrow I’ll be on the court.

He added: “For me it’s a gift to be able to be here in Barcelona, I will treat it as my last year [here] and I want to enjoy every moment.”

Monte Carlo champion Stefanos Tsitsipas could then await in the semi-finals.

However one name who won’t be present in Barcelona is the defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Nadal’s compatriot has had to withdraw with an arm injury, the same one that saw him also miss Monte-Carlo.

The race is also on for Alcaraz and the French Open, with the world No. 3 hoping to be fit to play in Madrid which starts on April 24, with the final taking place on Alcaraz’s birthday.

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Nadal’s Barcelona return: When is he playing? What is his draw?

April 15, 2024

Rafael Nadal is set to return to action for just his second tournament this year.

After making his comeback in Brisbane at the start of the season following a year out, there have been several false starts for Nadal due to injury issues.

He missed the Australian Open, Indian Wells and Monte Carlo, but is now set to play in Barcelona, making his first clay appearance since he won the 2022 French Open.

When is Nadal playing his opening match? Who is he playing? And what’s happened to him so far this year? We run through everything you need to know about Nadal’s much-anticipated clay return…

When is Nadal playing in Barcelona?

Nadal will play his first-round match in Barcelona on Tuesday, April 16.

It has not been confirmed yet what time the match will take place, but Nadal is almost certain to play on the main court, which has been named after him since 2017.

Who is Nadal playing and what’s his draw?

Nadal, a 12-time champion in Barcelona, has been drawn to face 21-year-old Flavio Cobolli in the first round.

It will be the first meeting between the pair on the ATP Tour.

The winner will face fourth seed Alex de Minaur in the second round.

Nadal is unseeded as he is ranked at No. 644 in the world and is using his protected ranking to enter the main draw.

Nadal: I’m enjoying being here

Nadal’s return to the tour this year has not gone as planned.

It started positively in Brisbane as he reached the quarter-finals and had match points to beat Jordan Thompson before losing in three sets.

But since then his comeback has repeatedly stalled.

A muscle injury suffered in the defeat to Thompson forced Nadal to withdraw from the Australian Open and he then pulled out of the Qatar Open in February with a back problem.

He was aiming to return in Indian Wells and looked on course after facing Carlos Alcaraz in an exhibition event in Las Vegas.

However, he pulled out of Indian Wells, saying he was not “ready to play at the highest level at such an important event”.

“I can’t lie to myself and lie to the thousands of fans,” he added.

The injury struggles continued as he pulled out of Monte Carlo. “My body just won’t allow it,” he said on social media.

It has been reported that one of the main issues for Nadal is pain when serving.

Nadal was cautious about his chances of playing in Barcelona, but is set to start his clay season as he builds up to the French Open and the Paris Olympics, which are played at Roland-Garros in the summer.

“I’m happy to be here, of course, Barcelona is a place that has brought me a great deal of joy, and where I have spent periods of my life,” said Nadal.

“[Real Club] Tenis Barcelona is my club, I’m really enjoying being here for a few days. Over the last two years I’ve had very few days on tour, so spending days here, seeing people, being able to practise with players is a joy.”

Nadal’s opening match in Barcelona will be his first competitive contest on clay since he beat Casper Ruud in the final of the 2022 French Open.

The serve will clearly be an area to watch to see if it is giving Nadal any problems, but Uncle Toni suggested his nephew would not play an event unless he was “100 per cent”.

Nadal has a 66-4 win-loss record in Barcelona, which is an ATP 500 event.

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