As Rafael Nadal edges closer to retirement, he secures a hard-fought victory in the Madrid Open, while Britain’s Cameron Norrie suffers defeat

In an enduring display of resilience and skill, Rafael Nadal battled past Argentina’s Pedro Cachin at the Madrid Open, advancing to the last 16. The 37-year-old Spaniard, who is participating in his final season, won 6-1, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3 after a strenuous three hours and six minutes on the clay court. This victory sets the stage for Nadal’s next challenge against the Czech Republic’s 30th seed, Jiri Lehecka, as he eyes a spot in the quarter-finals.

Nadal, a five-time champion at this venue, is not just playing for another title but is also marking his farewell to a tournament that has seen many of his illustrious triumphs. His performance was a poignant reminder of his enduring prowess and the sheer determination that has defined his career.

Conversely, Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie faced a setback, bowing out after a straight-set loss to Norway’s Casper Ruud, the fifth seed who is fresh from a victory in Barcelona. Ruud’s form continued to impress as he clinched the match 6-2, 6-4, setting up a clash with Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime. Despite an early break in the second set, Norrie couldn’t maintain his lead, allowing Ruud to dominate the closing stages of the match.

The tournament also saw strong performances from other top seeds. Italy’s Jannik Sinner, the top seed, moved past Russia’s Pavel Kotov with a score of 6-2, 7-5, overcoming a challenging second set where his resilience under pressure was thoroughly tested. Sinner’s victory keeps him on track in his quest for his fourth title of the year, showcasing why he is one of the favourites for the crown.

Meanwhile, Daniil Medvedev, the third seed, demonstrated his fighting spirit by coming from behind to defeat America’s Sebastian Korda. After losing the first set, Medvedev rallied to win 5-7, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, illustrating his ability to turn matches around under pressure.

As the Madrid Open continues, the drama and excitement on the clay courts promise more thrilling tennis action. With seasoned champions and emerging talents converging, the tournament is a showcase of top-tier tennis, blending experience with youthful exuberance in a spectacle of sport