Rafael Nadal through to quarter-finals in bid for sixth Madrid Open title

Rafael Nadal stayed on course for a sixth Madrid Open title after reaching the quarter-finals with victory over Alexei Popyrin.
After defeating Spanish heir apparent Carlos Alcaraz on Wednesday, Nadal took on another young gun in Australian Popyrin, who had upset Jannik Sinner in the second round.
Popyrin won the first seven points of the match but was unable to find the consistency needed to really trouble Nadal and the top seed eased to a 6-3, 6-3 victory.
Ruthless. Efficient. Breathtaking.
🇪🇸 @RafaelNadal moves one step closer to a sixth #MMOPEN title with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Popyrin. pic.twitter.com/70EeSO9ZjA
— ATP Tour (@atptour) May 6, 2021
Nadal has not been as dominant in Madrid as the other big clay tournaments, with the altitude less favourable to his style of play, but he remains the clear favourite.
The 34-year-old said: “Today it’s true that there is a lot of young, good players. It’s something normal that is happening. I’m excited that at my age I am able to keep playing against all of them. They are good. They are talented. They have a great future.”
Third seed Dominic Thiem continues to look refreshed after more than a month out, with the Austrian seeing off Alex De Minaur 7-6 (9-7), 6-4, saving a set point in the opener.
“For me it was perfect because obviously he’s first of all a top player and second of all he also likes to play longer rallies,” said Thiem.
“There were some good, long rallies. I was many, many times out of breath. It was perfect for me to get back a little bit the match rhythm, to run down a lot of balls.”
Thiem will next face John Isner, who continued his strong week with a 7-6 (7-4), 3-6, 7-6 (7-4) victory over sixth seed Andrey Rublev.
Kazakh Alexander Bublik added another notable victory in 2021 by taking out Australian Open semi-finalist Aslan Karatsev 6-4, 6-3.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Naomi Osaka sets out to become a mental health champion
Naomi Osaka is out to hit a winner for mental health.
-
Tennis News
What titles has Daniil Medvedev won?
Daniil Medvedev is a feared opponent on hard courts all over the world.
-
ATP Tour
What does John McEnroe think of Carlos Alcaraz?
Carlos Alcaraz has received the John McEnroe seal of approval.
-
ATP Tour
Daniil Medvedev offers mock thanks to Indian Wells court after ‘toxic relationship’
Daniil Medvedev was in good spirits after losing the Indian Wells final.
-
Tennis News
Elena Rybakina finally gets one back in rivarly with Aryna Sabalenka
Elena Rybakina avenged her Australian Open defeat with a championship match triumph at Indian Wells.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz savours ‘crazy’ Indian Wells triumph and return to No 1
Carlos Alcaraz is thrilled to be back on top of the world.
-
WTA Tour
Why Elena Rybakina’s Indian Wells win could be a breakthrough moment
Elena Rybakina is emerging as the biggest threat to Iga Swiatek at the top of the women’s game after Indian Wells win.
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz banishes Novak Djokovic ‘asterisk’ snipe as he reclaims No 1 ranking
Carlos Alcaraz confirmed he was a worthy world No 1 after his stunning win against Daniil Medvedev in Indian Wells.
-
WTA Tour
Miami Open draw: Emma Raducanu handed nightmare opener
British No 1 Emma Raducanu is set for a tough start to her Miami Open campaign after she was drawn against Bianca Andreescu.
-
Tennis News
Stefanos Tsitsipas impressed and inspired by Jim Courier
Stefanos Tsitsipas fanboys over Jim Courier’s commentary.