Rafael Nadal avenged his defeat to Alex de Minaur from Barcelona with a 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 victory over the Australian to extend his stay in Madrid on his final appearance at home but admitted he still "needs time" to return to his competitive peak.
Nadal's farewell tour has pitted him against De Minaur twice but this time the result was reversed as the 22-time Grand Slam champion advanced to a third-round meeting with Argentina's Pedro Cachin.
Nadal, 37, dug deep to dismiss the world No 11, despite admitting that he was still struggling with numerous physical issues.
"No, not yet. It needs time," the Spanish great said, dismissing the suggestion that he was nearing his vintage form.
"To play over two hours means a lot to me ... Just step by step and let's see how I recover."
Five-time Madrid champion Nadal said he will not make a decision on playing at the French Open until after Rome, which starts next week.
"It's not about losing or winning. It's about going on court there with the feeling that I can fight," he said.
"So if I am not able to go on court and dream, for me it doesn't make sense to go. I prefer to stay with all the amazing memories that I have," he record 14-time French Open champion added.
Rafa Nadal's final home appearance continues after his win over Alex de Minaur. AFP
