Nadal comeback ended by De Minaur in Barcelona

Rafael Nadal‘s hopes of an extended run on his comeback to the ATP Tour were ended by the consistency and resilience of world No 11 Alex de Minaur as the Australian claimed a 7-5, 6-1 victory in the second round.

Nadal, back after three months away and in only his second event in 15 months due to injury, led 4-3 in the first set and had a point to break for 5-3. But De Minaur upped his game to finish off the set and after an early break in the second, pulled away for victory.

“It was an amazing experience,” De Minaur said. “When the draw came out, I probably wasn’t too keen on playing Rafa but I turned my attitude around and looked it as a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m happy to get the win.”

De Minaur holds off Nadal surge

In cool, breezy conditions, Nadal began slowly, dropping serve in the opening game as De Minaur led 2-0 and had a break point chance to lead 3-0, playing a series of drop shots, taking advantage of the fact that Nadal was dropping the ball short too often.

Before his opening-round win over Flavio Cobolli of Italy, Nadal had explained that he had been struggling to serve in practice due to an abdominal issue and his serve speed was reduced, compared to his usual level.

And again, his power was there against De Minaur but he found a way to be competitive throughout. After holding for 1-2, Nadal grew into the match. His backhand, in particular, was on song and he broke back for 3-3, held for 4-3 and at 30-40 on the Australian’s serve, had another chance to move further ahead.

But De Minaur saved the break point with a forehand winner and then upped his game in style, winning 13 of the last 16 points to wrap up the set.

Nadal’s intensity down, De Minaur takes advantage

Having not played in so long, Nadal said this week would be a huge physical test and at times in the match, his intensity dipped and he looked to be feeling it.

De Minaur was maintaining his level at the other end and the Australian broke for 2-1 in the second set, piling the pressure on Nadal with the depth of his groundstrokes. At 1-3, Nadal showed plenty of familiar fight to dig in and save two break points but he couldn’t save a third and he was broken for a second time when his forehand flew long.

The Australian held his nerve and maintained his momentum to run away with the set and take his place in the next round.

In what may well prove to be his last ever time in Barcelona, Nadal received a standing ovation from the packed crowd as he left the court, applauding them in all directions.

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