Rafael Nadal showed Australia’s Alex de Minaur — and the rest of the world — that he’s not ready to relinquish his crown as the king of clay, defeating him 7-6 (6), 6-3 in the second round at the Mutua Madrid Open on Saturday (April 27).

Last week, World No. 11 de Minaur knocked out Nadal at Barcelona in straight sets. This week, it was a different story as Nadal posted his first win against a Top 20 opponent since 2022.

Nadal, 37, has been hampered much of the past year by a hip flexor injury. And while he didn’t declare himself in top form, the Spaniard was excited to win on his home turf.

Three tournaments remain between Madrid and the French Open, Nadal’s signature event, which he has won 14 times — most recently in 2022. Nadal, expected to retire after the end of this season, wants nothing more to be healthy for what likely will be one final run at Roland Garros.

(Production: Conal Quinn)

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