shot-button
Olympic 2024 Olympic 2024
Home > Sports News > Other Sports News > Article > Rafas win has value

Rafa’s win has ‘value’

Updated on: 06 May,2022 07:59 AM IST  |  Madrid
AFP |

Spaniard Nadal thrilled to defeat Serb Kecmanovic 6-1, 7-6 (7-4) considering the victory was achieved without any preparation due to a rib injury

Rafa’s win has ‘value’

Rafael Nadal returns to Miomir Kecmanovic on Day Seven of the Madrid Open at La Caja Magica yesterday. Pics/Getty Images

Rafael Nadal enjoyed a winning return after a six-week injury break, opening his Madrid Open campaign with a 6-1, 7-6 (7-4) success over Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic on Wednesday.


The Spanish star had been sidelined with a rib injury since his Indian Wells final defeat in March but showed little sign of rust as he skipped into the third round.


Russia’s Andrey RublevRussia’s Andrey Rublev


Nadal said his preparation for the tournament was “non-existent” due to his rib problem limiting his ability to train and was thrilled by how well he played against one of the most in-form players of the season. “Today I was able to play one hour, 55 minutes against an opponent that was playing really well in these last months, so a really good victory, a lot of value to it,” said the Mallorcan.

In-form opponent

“It helps me a lot to reach my final goal, which is to recover my previous health and previous fitness. I’m very excited about it,” said the Spaniard. Kecmanovic, 22, entered the match carrying the second-highest tally of wins on tour this season—his 23 victories placing him just one behind Andrey Rublev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Carlos Alcaraz.

Rublev enters quarters

On Thursday, sixth seed Andrey Rublev reached the seventh Masters 1000 quarter-final of his career with a 7-6(9/7), 7-5 result against Dan Evans of Great Britain.

Indisposed Murray pulls out

It was the second blow of the day for the British as Andy Murray had earlier pulled out of his meeting with Novak Djokovic because of illness.

Former World No.1 Murray was forced to pull out of his last-16 match against Djokovic, citing food poisoning. “Unfortunately Andy Murray is ill and is not in a position to play,” the Madrid Open organisers said.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK