Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal is back to the level where he is not only pushing his opponents to their limits but also winning those matches. An example of this was seen during his third-round match at the Madrid Open where he defeated Pedro Cachin in a three-hour-long match.
Nadal beat the Argentine 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-3 to reach the fourth round at the ATP Masters tournament. As the scoreline suggests, it was not an easy win for the Spaniard as Cachin threatened to gain momentum by winning the second set. However, Nadal stuck to his strengths and reigned supreme and now will meet Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round.
The 37-year-old who has been battling injuries and has missed out on a lot of action for the same will have to play against Lehecka hours after his third-round match. This creates a problem for the Spaniard who might feel fatigued. However, Nadal says he is ready for the challenge.
I'm fine, we'll see tomorrow. Happy, but I don't know how I'm going to get up due to fatigue, but I don't feel like it hurt me, we have to wait but, for me, this is the most important thing. Physically you have to improve in many aspects, but hey, I've held on so I'm fine. Rafael Nadal said after his third-round match.
Rafa Nadal in press:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 29, 2024
"What are your sensations like after the match?"
Rafa: “I'm fine, we'll see tomorrow. Happy, but I don't know how I'm going to get up due to fatigue, but I don't feel like it hurt me, we have to wait but, for me, this is the most important thing. Physically… pic.twitter.com/7G2jJC7yPT
Rafael Nadal further talked about the challenges that come players’ way while competing on the tour. The 37-year-old said that he is not too worried about playing on consecutive days because “that’s how the tournament works”.
Nadal said that while he is not in that zone where he can play two days in a row and still be competitive, he will try his best to challenge his opponent. He further emphasized the fact that there is no room for worries.
That's tennis. I mean, I cannot have any concern in terms of playing tomorrow again. That's how the tournament works. I need to find a way to be able to play days in a row and still be competitive. I don't know if I am in that moment yet. Let's see what can happen tomorrow. But I’m gonna try. I’m gonna do the things the right way to try to be ready for tomorrow. So I cannot worry at all. Just happy to be on court again tomorrow hopefully. Hope to be ready. Rafael Nadal said about playing two days in a row.
Rafa Nadal was asked if he’s concerned about playing again tomorrow so soon in his comeback after playing for 3 hours today:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 29, 2024
“That's tennis. I mean, I cannot have any concern in terms of playing tomorrow again. That's how the tournament works.
I need to find a way to be able to… pic.twitter.com/dZyhuWBZbb
Notably, the Spaniard started his campaign at the Madrid Open with a dominant win over Darwin Blanch. Nadal then nullified the Alex de Minaur challenge, beating his Australian opponent in straight sets. Now, having battled past Pedro Cachin and set up a clash against Jiri Lehecka, it is to be seen if the 22-time Grand Slam champion can tackle two big challenges at a time.
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