Rafael Nadal qualifies for Madrid quarters after defeating Alexei Popyrin

The World No.2 Rafael Nadal continued his sublime form as he defeated Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in straight sets by 6-3, 6-3 on Thursday to make his way into the quarterfinals of the ongoing ATP Mutua Madrid Open. After winning his 12th Barcelona Open, Nadal looks all set to clinch another clay court event.

In fact, Popyrin smashed eight aces as compared to Nadal’s one. Furthermore, the Spaniard also defended five break points against the Australian. Nadal had convincingly defeated Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets on Wednesday.

Nadal will look to continue his good form in the coming matches and he is always a force to reckon with on clay courts.

“I knew he was coming with confidence, he has this energy that the young players have,” Nadal, 34 years older, said. “From what I could do, it was a good match, and I’m happy to make it to the quarterfinals again here.”

On the other hand, Dominic Thiem also qualified for the quarters after defeating Australia’s Alex de Minaur in straight sets by 7-6, 6-4. Thiem will now play against John Isner in the quarters, who beat Andrey Rublev in the tie-breaker.

“There were some good, long rallies. I was many, many times out of breath,” Thiem said. “It was perfect for me to get back a little bit the match rhythm, to run down a lot of balls. As it’s my first tournament, as it’s my way back, a buildup for the next week, it was great for me.”

Meanwhile, Australia’s Ashleigh Barty also made her way into the final after she beat Spain’s Paula Badosa, who became the first Spanish woman player to reach the semi-finals in Madrid.