Rafael Nadal makes solid start in Madrid, but Juan Martin del Potro makes losing return

Rafael Nadal maintained his record of never having lost two consecutive matches on clay by beating Felix Auger-Aliassime in his Madrid Masters opener.
All eyes were on Nadal after his uncharacteristic clay court struggles, but he was business-like against the impressive Canadian teenager.
It was a tight match, with Auger-Aliassime aggressive throughout, but Nadal came out on top 6-3, 6-3.
Elsewhere, Kei Nishikori fought his way past battling Bolivian Hugo Dellien 7-5, 7-5, and Frances Tiafoe edged out Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
Stan Wawrinka also impressed again Guido Pella, whom he defeated 6-3, 6-4, but Juan Martin del Potro made a losing comeback, falling to Laslo Dere 6-3, 2-6, 7-5.
Gael Monfils, meanwhile, recovered from a shocking first set to beat Marton Fucsovics 1-6, 6-4, 6-2 to set up a clash with Roger Federer.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Spectators set to return for Wimbledon 2021 as Tim Henman outlines plans
Spectators look set to be in attendance at Wimbledon this summer after the UK government outlined their Covid-19 escape plan.
-
News
Andy Murray reveals he could not bring himself to watch the Australian Open
Murray will play his first ATP Tour event of the season at the Open Sud de France in Montpellier this week.
-
News
Novak Djokovic to prioritise Grand Slams as he closes in on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
The Serbian is two major titles behind Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic to ‘take some time off to heal’ as he reveals abdominal ‘damage is bigger’
Novak Djokovic confirms injury worsened.
-
Grand Slam
Naomi Osaka eyes French Open and Wimbledon glory, but needs to get comfortable on clay and grass
Naomi Osaka determined to “complete her set”.
-
Australian Open
Goran Ivanisevic on Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal: ‘They are going to overtake Roger Federer’
“They surprise me every day,” says Goran Ivanisevic.
-
News
Five things we learned from the Aus Open: Novak Djokovic still reigning and tennis needs Nick Kyrgios
A look back at the 2021 Australian Open.
-
News
Novak Djokovic celebrates ninth Australian Open win after ‘roller-coaster ride’
Djokovic made it nine victories from nine finals.
-
News
Australian Open day 14: Title No 9 for Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka’s mis-step and roll of honour
The story of the final day of action from Melbourne.
-
Tennis News
WATCH: Andy Murray receives a signed Juventus shirt from Cristiano Ronaldo
Andy Murray and Cristiano Ronaldo exchange gifts.