"Wtf" - Rafael Nadal's Madrid Open 1R opponent Darwin Blanch reacts hilariously to finding out he's playing the Spaniard

Darwin Blanch recently shared his hilarious reaction to playing against Rafael Nadal in the first round of the 2024 Madrid Open.

Blanch is an up-and-coming American tennis player, who has a startling resemblance to fellow American Ben Shelton. Blanch made his ATP Tour debut at the 2024 Miami Open, having received a wildcard. However, he lost to Tomas Machac in the first round.

Now the American, having received a wildcard in the main draw, will play against five-time champion Rafael Nadal at the 2024 Madrid Open.

Blanch is just 16 years old and is 21 years younger than the Spaniard. To put it into context, the American was born two years after Nadal won his first French Open title.

Blanch shared his hilarious reaction to discovering that he would play against the Spaniard.

"Guys I play Nadal wtf," wrote Blanch along with a picture of himself, shocked.

Blanch also took to Instagram to share a picture of the matchup.

Source- Darwin Blanch's Instagram story

The American has begun his training for the much-anticipated match and shared a picture with Joao Fonseca post-practice.

Source- Darwin Blanch's Instagram story

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Rafael Nadal is ready "to die" in Paris if god wants

Rafael Nadal at the Netflix Slam

Rafael Nadal began his comeback at the Barcelona Open. After winning his first match against Flavio Cobolli 6-2, 6-3, he fell to Alex de Minaur in the second round.

In the post-match press conference, the Spaniard mentioned that he would leave it all on the court at the 2024 French Open. He also mentioned that he was not too bothered by the defeat and was happy to get the opportunity to say goodbye to the Barcelona Open.

"It wasn't today that I had to leave everything and die, in Paris, let it be what God wants. There I hope to be competitive and there is the moment. I have had the opportunity to say goodbye to Godó by playing," he said, via Marca.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion revealed he was not sure of playing even a week before, so to be able to compete in Barcelona was great.

"A week ago I thought I wouldn't I could play here again. The clear message before the tournament was to prioritize not taking any risks. The important thing was to be able to play and being on the court is great news," he added.

The Spaniard said that he and his team would take the logical way to prevent aggravating the injury.

"Until the week is over, the important thing is that nothing happens. Even if it is difficult, it is not the week to push everything my heart tells me. We are going to do things in the most logical way possible," he said, via Marca.