Sanguinetti Praises Nadal: "After This Match, I Knew He Would Become World No. 1"
Having won the Madrid tournament five times, Nadal claimed his first title in the Spanish capital in 2005. Since then, the Mallorcan has secured 22 Grand Slam titles and 36 Masters 1000 trophies.
In an interview with *Punto de Break*, Davide Sanguinetti recalled his first match in Madrid against the Spaniard. The current coach of Rybakina immediately recognized the young player's potential:
"I remember that year (2004) because we played in Madrid during winter and indoors. I lost to a very young Nadal, but he was already incredibly strong. When you win Roland Garros at 19, what more can you say? He is tennis history, alongside Federer and Djokovic.
After that match, I told my coach that this player would become world No. 1. I noticed it right away. I also remember that every ball bounced very high, despite the surface being very fast."
The two faced off in the first round of the 2004 Madrid tournament, with Nadal winning in straight sets (6-2, 6-1).
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