Madrid Open 2024 Day 2 Recap

The spherical of 128 on the 2024 Madrid Open is full, and Thursday’s play noticed Rafael Nadal begin his final marketing campaign within the Spanish capital with a 6-1 6-0 demolition job towards wildcard Darwin Blanch.

Extra homegrown success got here courtesy of Roberto Bautista Agut, who noticed off Daniel Galan in three units earlier than Roberto Carballes Baena gained six straight factors within the remaining set tiebreak to beat Dominik Koepfer 6-1, 3-6, 7-6(5).

The Italians matched that with a triple victory of their very own on the Caja Magica as Lorenzo Sonego, Matteo Arnaldi, and Flavio Cobolli all triumphed.

Sonego defeated Richard Gasquet in his a thousandth tour-level match, whereas Arnaldi secured a win over Christopher O’Connell. Cobolli additionally superior after defeating Alejandro Tabilo. Sonego faces Jannik Sinner subsequent, Arnaldi meets Daniil Medvedev, and Cobolli takes on Nicolas Jarry within the second spherical.

You’ll be able to see the complete outcomes from day two under.

Day Two 2024 Madrid Open Spherical of 128 Outcomes

Winner
Loser
Scoreline

Rafael Nadal (PR)
Darwin Blanch (WC)
6-1, 6-0

Matteo Arnaldi
Christopher O’Connell
6-4, 6-1

Felix Auger-Aliassime
Yoshihto Nishioka
4-6, 6-1, 6-4

Roberto Bautista Agut (LL)
Daniel Elahi Galan
7-6(4), 4-6, 6-1

Pedro Cachin
Sebastian Ofner
6-3, 6-3

Flavio Cobolli
Alejandro Tabilo
7-5, 4-6, 6-4

Miomir Kecmanovic
Zhizhen Zhang
6-3, 6-2

Pavel Kotov
Albert Ramos-Vinolas (Q)
6-3 6-4

Tomas Machac
Emil Ruusuvuori
6-4, 1-6, 6-2

Jakub Mensik
Yannick Hanfmann
6-4, 7-6(3)

Thiago Monteiro (Q)
Dusan Lajovic
6-4, 6-3

Max Purcell
Marcos Giron
4-6, 6-4, 7-6(2)

Lorenzo Sonego
Richard Gasquet (Q)
6-2, 7-5

Hamad Medjedovic (Q)
Aleksandar Kovacevic (Q)
4-6, 7-5, 6-4

Joao Fonseca
Alex Michelsen
4-6, 6-0, 6-2

Roberto Carballes Baena
Dominik Koepfer
6-1, 3-6, 7-6(5)

Nadal Bagels Blanch

Rafael Nadal may not really feel good bodily, battle to serve, and be a step gradual, however he was nonetheless far too superior to Darwin Blanch as he breezed previous him 6-1 6-0.

The 16-year-old American, a part of the IMG system, picked up a wildcard for the IMG-owned occasion regardless of no wins on the Challenger or Tour stage and rapidly discovered himself in sizzling water as he was outclassed from begin to end.

Whereas understandably nervous about going through the very best clay courter of all time, he was out of his depth and made 27 unforced errors in a match that lasted simply over an hour. A studying expertise? Perhaps, however giving a Masters 1000 wildcard to a 16-year-old who undoubtedly has potential however has executed zero on tour isn’t a good suggestion. Qualify for some Problem Tournaments first.

Because of this we be taught nothing about Nadal’s stage as he was by no means examined and can face sterner opposition whereas coaching at his academy in Manacor.

Rafa faces Alex de Minaur within the subsequent spherical, who beat him comfortably in Barcelona, and it is going to be fascinating to see if he can put in a greater exhibiting on Saturday.

I believe I performed towards an opponent with an ideal future in entrance [of him], however at present, I’m nonetheless making errors. I simply tried to be there and be strong on a regular basis with out taking many dangers. It labored properly. I’m completely satisfied to be by and need him all the very best for the long run. Nadal on his routine win over Blanch.

Aliassime Overcome Nishioka

Felix Auger-Aliassime showcased his resilience in his opening match, battling previous the difficult Yoshihito Nishioka 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 to safe a second-round berth. 

Nishioka is a lefty with a crazy forehand and highway operating model, which has pissed off many gamers. Nonetheless, the Canadian was in a position to hearth 32 winners en path to victory. Within the subsequent spherical, he’ll face one other difficult opponent, nineteenth seed Adrian Mannarino.

I used to be successful my service video games fairly comfortably within the second and third set, in order that was good. I used to be giving myself probabilities on the return. I believe what modified is I used to be hitting a bit of bit deeper, a bit of bit tougher than within the first set. I believe I had the suitable concepts however was not executing properly. I used to be additionally sharper and extra exact in my angles, opening the courtroom. Auger-Aliassime on his win.

Different Matches of Observe

Madrid Open 2024 Day 2 Highlights

Madrid Open 2024 Day 3 Spherical of 64 Matches

What did you make of Nadal’s opening match in Madrid? Let me know within the feedback.