Rafael Nadal won his first match at the come back on the court at Mutua Madrid Open 2022, beating Miomir Kecmanovic in straight sets. The Spanish champion, called to return against an opponent with twenty-three victories this season, returning among other things from a match next to the column of unforced errors, on the ground presumably less congenial to his characteristics.
On the Caja Magica the very Spanish champion still starts from a victory. He walks in the first set and sobs in the second: thanks to the Serbian tennis player, who recovers a break from a disadvantage on two occasions and who yields only in the climax of the match.
Nadal seals the win at 6-1 7-6 (4) and for the ninth time this season reaches at least the round of 16 in the ATP 1000 at home. The winner of the match between David Goffin and Botis Van de Zandschlup awaits him.