Alex de Minaur has missed out on the chance of a lifetime to beat Rafael Nadal on clay in successive tournaments, blown away by the rejuvenated, emotionally-charged Spanish great in the Madrid Open .
But in what's been billed as a farewell to Madrid, the match felt much more like a reawakening as Nadal changed tactics, peppering de Minaur with plenty of high-looping, spinning shots that ensured the uncomfortable-looking Aussie world number 11 couldn't get into any rhythm. When asked if it was a sign that he was close to getting back to his best, he just smiled: "No, not yet no, I need time.
The key to victory came in the opening set tie-break when de Minaur saved four set points and looked set to spoil the fairytale, only for Nadal to conjure up an amazing backhand cross-court winner to earn a fifth set point, which he took after a 76-minute battle.
Madrid Open Alex De Minaur Rafael Nadal Zinedine Zidane King Felipe Vi
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