Rafael Nadal didn't need much effort as he cruised to a 6-1, 6-0 victory over American teenager Darwin Blanch in the first round of the Madrid Open on Thursday.
Nadal looked in good form in what was only his third match since returning from his latest injury layoff. He had made his return in Barcelona last week, losing to Alex De Minaur in the second round.
Nadal and De Minaur will meet again in the second round in Madrid.
The 37-year-old Nadal had arrived in Madrid saying he was not 100% fit and that he was going to play only because the tournament was at home.
On Wednesday, Nadal said that in his current condition he would not play if this was the French Open.
Nadal broke Blanch at the first opportunity in the second game before grabbing the first set in 28 minutes. Nadal, who last claimed the title on Madrid's clay in 2017, broke again to take the lead in the second set and kept up the pace against Blanch, who is still seeking his first tour win.
The age gap between the pair was 21 years, 117 days, the biggest-ever between two opponents at the ATP Masters 1000 level.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
