PHOTOS/VIDEO: 2021 Madrid Open R3 Rafael Nadal vs. Alexei Popyrin

2021 Madrid Open R3 Rafael Nadal bt. Alexei Popyrin  6-3 6-3

Next -  Alexander Zverev

Rafa: "It was difficult. The court today was slippery, it was very fast, very dry conditions. The ball was flying a lot. The beginning of the match was super tough. He was hitting every ball and hitting the spots. Very happy with the victory. It was an important victory, he came here playing well. Every match is tough."

"I think I was doing things well, even if it was difficult to play against a player like him, since he was trying to hit every single ball. He was hitting every ball hard. I needed to adapt and I think I did that well."

"Yesterday he played against Sinner and he beat Jannik, so maximum respect. He has a big potential, honestly."

• Practice before the match

Photos: MMO; Getty Images; EFE; AFP; Cordon Ress; Reuters; ZUMA; Europa Press

• Last game & Post-match Interview

• On-court Interview (ESP)

• Press conference