Nadal Wins Opening Set Against Kecmanovic On Madrid Return

After six weeks away, Rafael Nadal made a fast start on his ATP Tour return Wednesday, winning the opening set against Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic 6-1 before rain suspended play at the Mutua Madrid Open.

The Spaniard last competed in March, when American Taylor Fritz ended his perfect start to the season in the Indian Wells final. However, the World No. 4 quickly found his rhythm in a strong first-set performance against Kecmanovic, clinching the opener in 36 minutes as he showed little sign of rustiness.

Nadal is aiming to lift his sixth trophy on home soil in Madrid this week, having last triumphed at the clay-court event in 2017. If he can accomplish the feat, he will move level with Novak Djokovic on a record 37 ATP Masters 1000 crowns.

The Spaniard, who captured a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January, will improve to 21-1 on the season if he can finish the job against Kecmanovic when play resumes under the roof on Manolo Santana Stadium.

Kecmanovic is currently at a career-high No. 32 in the ATP Rankings having enjoyed a career-best start to the season. The 22-year-old has earned 23 tour-level wins, reaching the quarter-finals in Indian Wells and Miami.