Nadal Resumes Return Thurs. In Madrid Against American Teen Blanch; Swiatek In Action

Spanish hero Rafael Nadal returns to the Madrid Masters Thursday to take on American teen Darwin Blanch.

The 5-time champion Nadal hasn’t won in Madrid since 2017 and expectation are low. But against the 16-year-old Blanch who is making his clay Masters debut, they’ll be sky high.

“The goal is to be on court and enjoy as long as possible,” said Nadal. “Try to finish the tournament alive in terms of body issues and enjoy the fact that I will be able to compete one more time on the professional tour and here at home in Madrid. A place that has given me everything in terms of support.

“So let’s see. I mean, in this sport, I’ve said it plenty of times, but it’s true. Things can change very quickly. If I am not there to try that change, for sure a change will not happen. I am here, giving myself a chance. If at some moment my situation improves so I am able to find better feelings in my body, I need to be ready. I will not be ready if I am at home.”

Blanch, a Florida native, trains at the Juan Carlos Ferrero Academy and has hit with Carlos Alcaraz.

“I’m really excited, obviously a little bit nervous,” Blanch told the ATP. “But I’m just really happy to be playing against Rafa. I’m ready to go out and just enjoy every moment.”

Like Nadal, Blanch is also lefty. And while American, he has roots all over.

“I was born in Boca, but when I was one week old, I moved to Thailand for my dad’s work,” he said. “So I trained there until I was eight years old, with a tennis court in my backyard. I would practice there with my brothers.

“We brought a coach from Argentina, and then eventually I moved to Argentina. I trained there for four years, and then I went to the USTA, and then eventually now to Ferrero. So, it’s been a wild journey.”

World No. 1 and women’s favorite Iga Swiatek opens play as well. Maria Sakkari, Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff are also on court as the women’s seeds open up action while the men finish their first round.

Today saw Denis Shapovalov, Fabian Marozsan, Jack Draper and Alexander Shevchenko pull through. Shevchenko will now face Alcaraz on Friday.

For the women, Osaka, Sloane Stephens and Mirra Andreeva advanced while Paula Badosa and Caroline Wozniacki were ousted.

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