How Nadal made opponent's dream come true with memorable gesture

Walking to the net after losing a match is almost never fun. But after Pedro Cachin fell to Rafael Nadal in a tough three-setter Monday at the Mutua Madrid Open, the Argentine enjoyed one of the most memorable moments of his career.

The No. 91 player in the PIF ATP Rankings had a lengthy chat with former World No. 1 Nadal at the net.

"You made my dream come true for me, thank you," Cachin said. "It's not how the protocol is, but can I get your shirt, towel or something?"

"Yes, I'll give it to you, of course," Nadal responded. "Good luck with everything."

"It’s a dream come true for me, I'm not sure what is the protocol, but can I ask you for a shirt?" 😍👕@pecachin1 with a once in a lifetime souvenir!@RafaelNadal | @MutuaMadridOpen | #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/SAPJ0P8bmJ

— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 29, 2024

After five-time Madrid champion Nadal shook hands with the chair umpire and recognised the crowd, he grabbed one of his match shirts and a bandana and brought it over to his opponent.

Cachin did not depart Manolo Santana Stadium with a victory, but a memory that will last a lifetime.

Nadal emerged victorious and will face big-hitting Czech Jiri Lehecka for a place in the quarter-finals. Does the 37-year-old believe his level is different than it was last week in Barcelona, where he trained with Lehecka?

“I hope, because I lost. But I don't know. Let's see. I cannot predict what's going on tomorrow, what can happen tomorrow, what level I’m gonna show tomorrow,” Nadal said. “I am more unpredictable than what I used to be. I used to be not a very unpredictable player. I used to be more or less a predictable player because I have been very [consistent] in terms of emotionally talking and in terms of level talking of tennis. [I was] building every day a little bit better, but more or less stable.

“There is a difference. I am more unpredictable for the opponents, but especially for myself.”

No matter what happens Tuesday, when Nadal and Lehecka will open their Lexus ATP Head2Head series, the Spaniard can take confidence knowing he has won three matches at the Caja Magica. It is the first time he has done that since the 2022 US Open, where he reached the fourth round.

“I need to find a way to be able to play days in a row and still be competitive. I don't know if I am in that moment yet. Let's see what can happen tomorrow,” Nadal said. “But I’m gonna try. I’m gonna do the things the right way to try to be ready for tomorrow.”