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MADRID — Rafael Nadal didn’t need much effort as he cruised to a 6-1, 6-0 victory over American teenager Darwin Blanch in the first round of the Madrid open on Thursday.

Nadal looked in good form in what was only his third match since returning from his latest injury layoff. He had made his return in Barcelona last week, losing to Alex De Minaur in the second round.

The 37-year-old Nadal had arrived in Madrid saying he was not 100 per cent fit, and that he was only going to play because the tournament was at home.