Rafael Nadal thrashed 16-year-old wild card Darwin Blanch 6-1, 6-0 within the first spherical of the Madrid Open on Thursday and can face Australian tenth seed Alex de Minaur subsequent.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion broke the American on the first alternative within the second sport earlier than grabbing the primary set in simply 28 minutes.
Nadal, who final claimed the title on Madrid’s clay in 2017, broke once more to take the lead within the second set and stored up the tempo, giving a tennis masterclass to Blanch who continues to be in search of his first tour win.
The age hole between the pair was 21 years and 117 days, the biggest-ever between two opponents at ATP Masters 1000 degree.
The American teen dedicated 27 unforced errors in what was his second ATP tour match after he had made his debut final month in Miami.
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“I feel at this time I performed towards somebody with a fantastic future in entrance of him,” Nadal stated. “(However) Right now he was making errors. I attempted to be there and be strong on a regular basis with out taking numerous dangers. I’m joyful to be by way of and I want him all the easiest.”
“For me after how issues developed the previous few years, each time I’ve an opportunity to be on court docket on this wonderful stadium with unconditional assist means quite a bit to me. Attempting to get pleasure from each second,” he stated.
The win was Nadal’s record-extending 57th victory in Madrid, a event that he has gained 5 occasions. He’ll play De Minaur within the second spherical on Saturday.
The Australian defeated Nadal 7-5, 6-1 within the second spherical of the Barcelona Open final week when the Spaniard was enjoying his first event since January.