‘If I Didn’t Have Them, I Wouldn’t Be Here’- Rafael Nadal Backtracks on Retirement After Thrashing Alex de Minaur in Madrid

The King of Clay is finally back! After being out of the court for more than a year, Rafael Nadal has shown potential match-winning signs at the Madrid Open. After a second-round loss against the Australian Alex de Minaur at the Barcelona Open, the Spaniard was determined to avenge his loss and make sure that he was back to his usual winning ways in Madrid. Eventually, things turned out to be in his favor and he managed to win the match against ‘Demon’.

However, after his victory over Alex de Minaur, Rafael Nadal went ahead and opened up about the electrifying atmosphere of sports that takes everyone’s breath away. He considered a crucial moment in the match where a stroke of luck turned the tide in his favor. Nadal reflected on the unpredictable nature of the game that keeps spectators on the edge of their seats. Despite the adrenaline rush and emotional rollercoaster of each game, Nadal maintains a grounded approach and suggested that he also watches the sport from a fan’s perspective.

“Sport has a fantastic thing, that sport excites people. It is the great attribute that sport has. I’m not saying it for myself, the other day Madrid is defending 120 minutes like crazy, he ends up winning on penalties and everything is incredible and fantastic. If you lose, maybe the approach would have been too defensive and a disaster. It’s the magic of sport. In the first set I go 6-2 in the tiebreak, I put on 6-6. I hit a crossed setback that touches the tape and falls on the line and I end up winning the set,” said Nadal after the interview.

Soon after the win, he went ahead to acknowledge that it is the hope for a better future that keeps him going all the way. Had it not been for that, he would not have been here and playing tennis.

“I think it’s an important step forward, that with small steps you build big things, but unfortunately the reality is different. That doesn’t mean that I don’t get excited and that I have no hope for the future. If I didn’t have them, I wouldn’t be here. If I’m here, it’s because I hope that things will get better and because it keeps getting excited and motivated by playing tennis,” he further continued.

Not only this, he also spoke about the importance of the fans that keep him going. While he clearly acknowledges the essence of having fans in the sport, the fans also did their best to welcome Rafael Nadal in the best possible way.

The crowd fills the stadium with Rafael Nadal chants

In a completely packed stadium, all that one could hear was Rafael Nadal chants. It is the love of the fans that kept him going all along which eventually resulted in a win. Fans around the world took a moment to share the incredible scenes that unfolded in the stadium right before the start of the match.

Thus, Rafael Nadal, who came into the match with high anticipation received the welcome that he thought of. Still going strong in Madrid, he will be hoping to bring his best form back to life and full out other amazing performances in the event. What are your thoughts on this? Do let us know in the comments below!