Madrid Open 2024: Darwin Blanch vs Rafael Nadal preview, head-to-head, prediction, live streaming details

This is the first meeting between both players.

The King of Clay, Rafael Nadal, will look to continue dominating the terre battue as he graces the Madrid Open 2024. Having made his long-awaited return at the Barcelona Open after a three-month hiatus, the Spaniard made it past the opening round before falling to fourth seed, Alex de Minaur, in straight sets. The Barcelona Open was Nadal’s first clay-court outing since his triumphant conquest of the 2022 French Open.

Awaiting him is the prodigious 16-year-old, Darwin Blanch, who will be making his second appearance at an ATP Masters 1000 event. Blanch is currently world no. 1,028.

Darwin Blanch vs Rafael Nadal match details

Date: April 25, Thurday

Time: 8:30 PM (IST)

Venue:  La Caja Majica, Madrid

Darwin Blanch vs Rafael Nadal preview

Injuries have disrupted Rafael Nadal’s season, The Spaniard returned to action in January at the Brisbane International after nearly a year away due to a hip flexor injury. Despite winning his first two matches, Nadal fell to Jordan Thompson in three sets in the quarterfinals.

It would be two months more before Nadal took the court again at last week’s Barcelona Open. The former World No. 1 defeated Flavio Cobolli in the first round before running into fourth seed Alex de Minaur, who defeated Nadal 7-5, 6-1 in the second round.

On the other hand, Blanch is coming off his tour-level debut in Miami last month, where he played on a wildcard against Tomas Machac. The 16-year-old US teenager is now set for his second Masters 1000 appearance in five weeks when he takes on his idol Nadal in the opening round in Madrid.

Head-to-head records

Matches – 0

Darwin Blanch – 0

Rafael Nadal– 0

This is the first meeting between both players. While Rafael Nadal has won five Madrid Open titles, American is yet to play a match at La Caja Majica.

Where and how to watch the live streaming and TV broadcast of Darwin Blanch vs Rafael Nadal, Madrid Open 2024, first round match in India?

The clash between the duo will be live streamed on Sony Liv, whilst fans in India can watch the live telecast on Sony Sports Ten 5 SD/HD channels. Additionally, Tennis TV will also be live streaming the clash.

Prediction

Rafael Nadal’s experience and pedigree on clay courts make him the overwhelming favourite against the relatively unknown Blanch, ranked a lowly 1,028th in the world.

Despite a recent three-month layoff, Nadal showed promising form in Barcelona, breezing past Cobolli before a tight loss to de Minaur.

With a few more matches, the 22-time Grand Slam champion should only get sharper. Even at his current level, Nadal’s 90% career win rate on clay dwarfs Blanch’s 56%, and his ability to save 55.56% of break points eclipses Blanch’s 53.96%.

While Blanch trained with Carlos Alcaraz, his recent struggles against lowly opposition like losing to his brother in a Futures event highlight the vast gulf in class. Expect the legendary Nadal to overwhelm the overmatched Blanch with his relentless physicality and spin in straight set victory.

Result: Rafael Nadal to win in straight sets.

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