Rafael Nadal had many doubts ahead of his clash against the world no.30 Felix Auger-Aliassime in Madrid.
Despite being the hot favorite, the Spanish sensation didn’t manage to win a title either in Monte Carlo or in Barcelona in April, and he was struggling with a viral illness in Madrid that was taking its toll on his body and hampered Rafa’s preparation.
However, the King of Clay managed to find his form to beat the young Canadian 6-3 6-3 after playing a rather good match.
Why Nadal was happy after his opener in Madrid
After defeating Felix, Rafa commented
“The important thing is to win, especially given what’s happened in the last three day [referring to his stomach bug].
The first seven games I didn’t have a lot of rhythm. Both him and I, we were struggling when returning the balls. We had a lot of first serves and returning was very difficult.
I managed to do a break, and from there onwards, it’s a turning point. I think I started to return a little bit better from thereon. And I did things better than him.
There have been positive things. I think that my backhand has been really well and other things. There are many things to improve, of course.”
Head to head Nadal vs. Tiafoe
Rafa will face Frances Tiafoe for a place in the quarters. The H2H is 1-0 for Nadal that dismissed Frances in straight sets in the Australian Open quarters earlier this year 6-3 6-4 6-2.
| HAPPY NADAL |
| Embed from Getty Images |
