Rafael Nadal Falls to Alex de Minaur in Barcelona Open
Rafael Nadal lost to Alex de Minaur 7-5, 6-1 on Wednesday in the second round of the Barcelona Open, marking his first loss since returning to the game after an injury. The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who returned to action this week after missing three months due to injury, battled valiantly but ultimately lost to the diligent Australian world no. 11. The 37-year-old Rafael Nadal, the record 14-time champion at the French Open, is hoping to play in May after missing almost the entire 2023 season.
Nadal stated, “On a personal level, for what is to come, the 6-1 in the second set is what had to happen today,” adding that he didn’t want to push himself too hard.
“That’s the way I need to proceed today, to give me a chance to compete at Roland Garros,” he stated.
“I’ll try to take a step further in Madrid, then in Rome, and if, in any tournament it’s worth going out there to give everything and die, it’s in Paris.”
De Minaur’s Dominant Performance
The 12-time Barcelona clay-court champion, who defeated Flavio Cobolli with ease on Tuesday in his first ATP Tour match since January, stated he was not the favorite against De Minaur, who has already triumphed in their last two meetings with the former world number one.
It turned out to be a much more difficult task, and even though Nadal displayed moments of his exceptional talent on the court bearing his name, he lost in what he declared to be his final tournament performance.
In the opening set, the Australian broke through and put Rafael Nadal to the test with a string of incredible drop shots that Nadal was unable to reach. But in the sixth game, Nadal responded with a break of his own and sealed the victory with a dazzling backhand to lead 4-3.
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As Nadal erred, De Minaur broke to love to take a 6-5 lead. The Spaniard then won the final 10 games as Nadal began to falter, sealing the first set with a ball into the net.
In the second set, the 25-year-old Australian broke for a 2-1 lead after Nadal failed to return a strong passing stroke. He then earned another break for a 4-1 advantage.
When Nadal took a long break, De Minaur concluded his powerful performance in the second set with a third break.
It was what Rafael Nadal claimed would be “realistically” his last time competing in a tournament he adores.
Tsitsipas Takes Center Stage
“I had the chance to say goodbye here on court and that means a lot for me,” he stated.
“A week ago I felt I was not able to play any more at this event, that would be painful, but at least I played and now it’s the moment to keep going.”
Later on Wednesday, Stefanos Tsitsipas, the winner of the Monte Carlo Masters, will play Sebastian Ofner in the second round.
