Nadal Suffers Upset Loss to De Minaur in Madrid

De Minaur Ends Nadal's Comeback Week

Unforgettable Rivalry Continues

In a stunning upset, Australian Alex de Minaur defeated 21-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal 6-1, 6-2 in the second round of the Madrid Open on Wednesday. The loss marked Nadal's first defeat since returning from a rib injury that forced him to miss the Monte-Carlo Masters.

De Minaur, ranked 25th in the world, played an inspired match, hitting powerful groundstrokes and taking advantage of Nadal's limited mobility. Nadal, who had not lost a set since returning to action, looked visibly uncomfortable on the court and struggled to find his rhythm.

The victory extended De Minaur's head-to-head record against Nadal to 2-1. Their rivalry has produced some of the most memorable matches in recent years, with Nadal winning their last encounter in the 2022 Australian Open semifinals.

Nadal's loss will no doubt raise questions about his fitness and form ahead of the French Open, the tournament he has won a record 13 times. The Spaniard is expected to take some time off to recover and prepare for the clay-court Grand Slam, which begins on May 28.

De Minaur's victory is a testament to his talent and resilience. The 23-year-old has been knocking on the door of the top 10 for some time and this win will boost his confidence heading into the rest of the season. The Australian will face either Andrey Rublev or Botic van de Zandschulp in the quarterfinals.

Nadal's defeat is a reminder that even the greatest players are not invincible. The Spaniard will need to find his way back to form if he wants to reclaim his place at the top of the men's game.