Nadal cruises to straight-set win over American teenager in first round of Madrid Open
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball to Darwin Blanch of United States during the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament in Madrid, Thursday, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Manu Fernandez]
MADRID (AP) — Rafael Nadal cruised to a 6-1, 6-0 victory against American teenager Darwin Blanch in the first round of the Madrid open. Nadal looked in good form in what was only his third competitive match since returning from his latest injury layoff. He had made his return in Barcelona last week, losing to Alex De Minaur in the second round. Nadal had arrived in Madrid saying he was not 100% fit and that he was only going to play because the tournament was at home. In the women’s draw top-ranked Iga Swiatek and American Coco Gauff both advanced.
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Rafael Nadal of Spain competes against Darwin Blanch of United States during the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament in Madrid, Thursday, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Manu Fernandez