Alex de Minaur is relishing a “once in a lifetime” win after defeating Rafael Nadal, the king of clay, in what Nadal confirmed was his last match at the Barcelona Open.
Despite Nadal’s return from injury in only his second tournament in 15 months, De Minaur outplayed the 12-time champion on the court named after Nadal at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona.
De Minaur’s speed and strategy led to a dominant 7-5, 6-1 win. While acknowledging that Nadal wasn’t at his peak, De Minaur played exceptionally well, showcasing his skills and defeating the Spanish legend with a series of drop shots.
De Minaur expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and acknowledged the significance of the win against Nadal.
For Nadal, it was an emotional farewell on the court that bears his name, signaling the possible end of his illustrious career.
De Minaur displayed respect for Nadal and did not overly celebrate his victory, acknowledging the Spaniard’s contribution to the sport.
Nadal praised De Minaur’s performance and expressed hope for his own competitive return at the upcoming French Open.
In another success for Australian players, Jordan Thompson also advanced to the round of 16 by defeating Jaume Munar. Thompson will now face Casper Ruud in the next round.
AAP
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