Rafael Nadal believes he is finding his rhythm again after beginning his bid for a sixth Madrid Open title on Wednesday by beating Canadian teenager Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets.
The victory also came hours before Nadal's fellow Spaniard David Ferrer played the final match of his career, losing 6-4, 6-1 to Alexander Zverev in his last tournament before retirement.
Nadal has endured a turbulent few weeks after slipping to surprise defeats in both Monte Carlo and Barcelona last month before then being hit by a stomach bug on Sunday.
But there was never much sign of an upset in the Spanish capital, where the world number two opened up with a 6-3, 6-3 victory.
"Right now every victory is important for me because it gives me the option to play again the next day," Nadal said.
"Two weeks ago maybe playing again was not a chance to improve because I didn't feel like that in training.
"Now I am feeling better in matches and I think every one gives me the chance to get better."
"I struggled a lot to get fit and recover that energy, which I now feel again."
"I don't know what my legacy will be but I always fought until the last point. Maybe it will be that."
- Osaka in control -
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