Rafael Nadal saved four match points to beat Belgian David Goffin 6-3 5-7 7-6(9) in an absorbing match on Thursday and move into the Madrid Open quarterfinals.
Just as his beloved Real Madrid came back from the brink to reach the Champions League soccer final on Wednesday, 35-year-old Nadal found extra energy in reserve to win a lengthy tiebreak.
The victory was the 1 050th win of his career as he moved into a Masters 1000 quarterfinal for the 99th time and he was lifted by Real’s dramatic 3-1 win over Manchester City achieved with the help of two last-gasp goals.
