Nadal excavates like Real Madrid to set up Alcaraz clash

Rafael Nadal saved four match points to beat Belgian David Goffin 6-3 5-7 7-6(9) in an engrossing match to move into the Madrid Open quarter-finals and set up an epic clash with teenaged countryman Carlos Alcaraz.

Similarly as his adored Real Madrid scripted a great comeback from the edge to reach at the Champions League final, 35-year-old Nadal tracked down additional energy for possible later use to win an extensive tiebreak.

The win was the 1,050th success of his vocation as he moved into a Masters 1000 quarter-final for the 99th time and he was lifted by Real’s emotional 3-1 win over Manchester City accomplished with the assistance of two last-minute goals.

“Yesterday was an unforgettable night. The spirit that Real Madrid had was just incredible. For me today, in some way, it was an inspiration,” Nadal said in a post-match interview with the ATP.

“It was a tough match, David played at a very high level but at the same time I am not completely happy, because I think I had to finish the match in straight sets, without a doubt.”

Strange errors from third seed Nadal permitted Goffin to break first and go 3-2 up in the initial set yet the Spaniard immediately crushed spirit two times to serve out the set, fixing it with a venomous crosscourt forehand victor.

The third set went to a retaining tiebreak, where Goffin returned from 4-1 down to almost secure triumph before Nadal won in a little more than three hours.

“Three hours 10 on court helps increase my physical performance. A very important victory saving match points, that confidence to keep going. I need matches and I need days like today to be fit,” Nadal added.