IT MIGHT have only been his third tournament of the year and is 21 years his opponent’s senior, but Rafael Nadal wasted no time storming past 16-year-old American Darwin Blanch in the opening round of the 2024 Madrid Open. The greatest clay courter of all time has had a horrid run with injuries and been unable to sustain any form, but there was no doubting who the King of Clay was as he won 6-1 6-0 in just 65 minutes.

The Spanish superstar won the last nine games of the match in a clinic against the rising star, breaking five times from nine chances, while never facing a break point of his own. Blanch looked helpless on return only winning nine points on return, while Nadal produced elite numbers of 79 and 73 per cent success rates off his first and second serves.

While the end might be near for Nadal, the 37-year-old ensured he made it through to at least the second round, defeating an opponent who was born after the Spanish former number one had already won three Grand Slam titles. The age gap of 21 years and 117 days was the largest in history between two opponents at ATP Masters 1000 level.

Naturally, Blanch tried to get on the front foot and attack, but made 27 unforced errors, while Nadal ever the consistent player, was able to fully capitalise on those mistakes.

“I think today I played against an opponent with a great future in front [of him], but today, still making mistakes. I just tried to be there, be solid all the time without taking a lot of risks,” Nadal said post-match. “It worked well. I’m happy to be through and I wish him all the very best for the future.”

No player has won more matches than Nadal at Madrid, winning 57 in total as well as five trophies that spanned over 10 seasons in 2008-2017. While his last few years have been challenging, the Spanish star said he was just enjoying the moment.

”It’s great after how things have developed the last few years, every time I have the chance to be on court in this amazing stadium with an unconditional supportive crowd, it means a lot to me,” Nadal said. “Just trying to enjoy every moment. Tomorrow, one more day of practice here and then after tomorrow, on court again. That makes me feel great.”

It does not get easier in the second round though, with 10th seeded Australian Alex de Minaur waiting for him. The Aussie became the first player from his nation to defeat Nadal on clay a fortnight ago at Barcelona.

In other results, former top 10 player and lucky loser in this tournament, Roberto Bautista Agut made the most of his second chance with a hard-fought 7-6 4-6 6-1 victory over Colombian Daniel Elahi Galan, while Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime won in a come-from-behind victory over Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka. Brazilian Nex Gen star Joao Fonseca moved through to the second round, as did his compatriot and qualifier, Thiago Monteiro.