Rafael Nadal Is Back with a Bang To Spark Madrid Party
Locker Room
April 28, 2024
Rafael Nadal brought the house down in Madrid to remind the world why he is the greatest of all time on clay.
The cross-court sizzler he conjured to reach match point seemed to wound Alex de Minaur to the core.
The Aussie is only just outside the top ten – and he has never been a soft touch. Only days earlier, he had defeated Nadal in Barcelona.
But the younger man was suddenly reduced to a desperate double fault when he needed something special to survive. It was all over, 7-6 (8-6), 6-3.
This wasn’t quite the explosive finish Rafael Nadal deserved – but the crowd didn’t care. Neither did the legend they had all come to see.
Rafa turned to the fans and raised his arms aloft in a state of ecstasy. He had rolled back the years in front of an adoring Spanish public.
At the age of 37, his body hadn’t let him down – and the tennis had been exquisite at times. No wonder Nadal punched the air repeatedly as he generated further uproar.
Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon 2024 would be a sight to behold. We can dream. The great man has more immediate targets in sight, though.
And for now, it just felt great to see him hitting the heights on Spanish dirt. Could it lead to greater things?
Rafa said later: ‘I am super-happy to be competitive against a player like Alex de Minaur. Tennis hasn’t been the issue. It’s more the physical issues. If I’m able to play tennis, let’s see how far I can go.’
And the Grand Slam event Nadal would love to grace one last time is of course his beloved Roland Garros. Rafa explained: ‘For me, Roland Garros is the most important tournament of my tennis career.
‘It’s not about losing or winning. If I am not able to go on court and dream – even if it’s the minimum, minimum percentage – for me it doesn’t make sense to go on court. I prefer to stay with all the amazing memories I have.’
You get the feeling the King of Roland Garros will be dreaming once more next month. And why shouldn’t we dream of his arrival at Wimbledon too?
Rafael Nadal has certainly given us some amazing memories on grass as well. And we would love to see him at Wimbledon 2024.
Wherever he thrives this European summer, the tennis world should be happy for him. And Wimbledon 2024 is sure to provide incredible drama, with or without Rafa.
Will you come to the most prestigious tournament of them all? Get in touch with our friendly staff – and we can make it happen for you.