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1 minute Now standing 6 feet 3 inches and gradually growing into his physique, Darwin Blanch aims for a stronger showing against Nadal, who has only played twice since returning from an injury
Darwin Blanch, a 16-year-old newcomer to the ATP Tour, is set to encounter Rafael Nadal in his second professional match during the Madrid Open on Wednesday. Facing a tennis icon more than twice his age and owner of 22 Grand Slam titles, Blanch has yet to open his Grand Slam account—a reasonable expectation given his youth.
Born in 2007 to a Spanish mother, Blanch grew up in Florida, inspired by his older brother, Ulisses, a former top 250 world-ranked player who competed in the US Open first round four years ago.
The younger Blanch has already shown promise, reaching the semi-finals of the junior Wimbledon and French Open last year. He claimed a USTA U-16 championship at only 14, and at 14 years and five months, he became the second-youngest male to earn an ATP ranking point. His debut at the senior ATP Tour level was last month at the Miami Open, where he faced Tomas Machac but fell 6-4, 6-2.
Now standing 6 feet 3 inches and gradually growing into his physique, Blanch aims for a stronger showing against Nadal, who has only played twice since returning from an injury and suffered a significant defeat in his last match against Alex de Minaur. As Nadal gears up for what might be his last French Open, he is not expected to ease his competitive edge in the upcoming match against Blanch.
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