MADRID (AP) — Rafael Nadal’s body withstood its toughest test yet at the Madrid Open as he needed three sets and more than three hours to get past 91st-ranked Pedro Cachin on Monday. Nadal didn’t show any signs of physical limitations as he won 6-1, 6-7 (5), 6-3 to make it to the round of 16 at the clay-court tournament where he is the record five-time champion. He will next face 31st-ranked Jiri Lehecka. “I took more risks in the third set, but it’s hard after so many months without competing,” Nadal said. “I hadn’t played a match like this in a long time. Let’s see how it goes tomorrow. I don’t know how I’m going to wake up. But I’m already happy for having won three matches in a row.” The 37-year-old Nadal is trying to get in shape for next month’s French Open. Since his latest injury layoff, he’s had two matches in Barcelona and was pessimistic about his physical condition after arriving in Madrid. But he’s won three more times in the capital. |
Watch: Auckland paddleboarder 'buzzing' over interaction with orca whalesLive updates: Hurricanes v Chiefs, Super Rugby Pacific round 8Growing skincare use by children is dangerous, say dermatologistsWatch: Peru policeman dressed as bear pounces on Valentine’s DayTaiwan's remaining Pacific allies pledge supportNorth Korea's Kim Jong Un turns 40 ... maybeCouple waits for categorisation of floodNASA's historic Mars helicopter Ingenuity grounded for good after 72 flightsChristopher Luxon, Anthony Albanese to discuss defence and security at first official meetingChilean vet helps dogs, cats and rabbits injured in wildfires