Rafael Nadal saved four match points in the last 16 and prevented David Goffin from playing

“Honestly, it was a very difficult match. I think I played at a very high level. But at the same time I am not completely satisfied because without a doubt I will have to finish the match in two sets,” Nadal explained. After his shaky victory.

The Spaniard was initially the best player, but had problems making his way into the game. In the middle of the first set, under the eyes of football legend Raul and rally icon Carlo Sainz, Nadal increased the hit count and won the set four games in a row.

In the second round, Nadal continued to improve and led 4-2. The encounter seemed to be heading straight home.

puff cake!

First, Goffin saved a match point on his serve, and shortly thereafter he did the same in the second leg. MORE: The 31-year-old turned a deficit of 3:5 into 7:5.

In the third set, an eye-level duel developed, which was to have a dramatic end.

Nadal and Goffin bring excitement to match points

Nadal dropped two cricket balls during the set and thus had to enter the tiebreak. Goffin won his first rally, but then the Mallorcan held off by four points in a row and was 4:1 in the lead.

Initial decision? The Belgian La Ward scored five points in a row, had two balls at 6:4 – and missed both. He missed another chance at 7:6. But Nadal found it difficult to put the cap on. At 8:7 the local champion could not use the match three ball.

After 3:10 hours, Caja Magica turned upside down: Nadal saved another match point and turned his fourth to 11:9.

Nadal explained: “Three hours and 10 minutes on the field, which helps to improve my physical performance. A very important win while saving match points. This gives confidence. I need matches and I need a day like today to be fitter.” It was his 22nd victory in 23 games this season and his record 99th quarter-final appearance at the Masters event.

Nadal compares to Real Madrid

In the quarter-finals, the duel of the Spanish generations will take place against Carlos Alcaraz. On his 19th birthday, the shooting star beat Cameron Norrie 6:4, 6:7 (4:7), 6:3 after a hard fight.

Tsitsipas Sovereign, a sinner without a chance against Auger-Aliassime

Stefanos Tsitsipas has lived up to his role as a favourite against Grigor Dimitrov. The world number five reigned 6:3, 6:4 against Grigor Dimitrov. The next opponent is Andrei Rublev, who defeated Daniel Evans 7:6 (9:7), 7:5 after an uphill battle.