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.
'Controlling' husband who stabbed his 19
20 Cambodian soldiers killed in explosion at military base
The unstoppable duo of Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos
Ships from Turkey planning to deliver aid to Gaza were denied right to sail
The Simpsons producer apologizes to fans for killing off long
Revealed: Brit tourist, 19, subjected to sex attack in Majorca 'was gang
Pope trip to Luxembourg, Belgium confirmed for September, 2 weeks after challenging Asia visit
Brendan Steele leads LIV Adelaide by one stroke after second round at The Grange