Nadal is still there. The Masters 1000 of Madrid continues for the former n. 1 in the world, author of an extraordinary match in the 2nd round against Alex De Minaur, beaten with a score of 7-6(6), 6-3 in two hours of play. A real match from Rafa under the gaze of King of Spain Felipe VI who applauded yet another extraordinary performance from an eternal player. Nadal “avenged” last week’s defeat in Barcelona, pushed by the home crowd which gave further strength to the Spaniard. On the other hand, De Minaur struggled to get into the game, even finishing the match with 33 free throws. “I played at a very good level, but not good enough” Nadal admitted after the match, aware that he can raise the bar again in view of the 3rd round against the Argentine Pedro Cachin.
Tsitsipas knocked out with no. 118 ATP Monteiro
The surprise, however, is the exit of the n. 7 in the world Stefanos Tsitsipasbeaten on his debut at the Caja Magica by the Brazilian Thiago Monteiro, n. 118 in the world and on the scoreboard from the qualifiers: double 6-4 in favor of the 29-year-old from Fortaleza who closed the case in an hour and 37 minutes of play. An almost lying score due to the gap that was seen on the court between the two players, with Monteiro who in the second set had the ball for 4-1 (and serve) and had two match points at 5-3, before serve for the match. The Brazilian surprised Tsitsipas with a perfect service game (89% of first serves!), but above all with a powerful and aggressive game. A historic result for Monteirohis first career victory against a top 10 player and for the first time in the third round of a Masters 1000. For Tsitsipas it is the second consecutive defeat after the knockout in the final in Barcelona against Ruudan abrupt stop after the series of 10 victories in a row between Monte-Carlo and Godò.
