Rafael Nadal’s humility was on display after he defeated Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals at Bastad, recognising that he needs to improve further before taking on the Olympics this summer with Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Nadal described his British opponent as a “great player” after their battle, during which Nadal came from 4-1 down in the second set to claim victory.

“Great feelings,” Nadal said as he reflected on a tough match with Norrie. “It’s been a while without playing on tour.. since Roland Garros. To have the chance to compete well against a great player like Cameron, these are great feelings. I played for moments of good tennis. For moments I needed to play more aggressive.

“That’s part of the journey today. I haven’t been competing very often. Matches and victories like today help to be in rhythm the whole match and put the pressure on the opponent during the whole match. That’s something I need to improve today. Because I haven’t played enough.”

Nadal was also informed that former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata was in the crowd watching on. The pair were able to bond in celebration of Spain’s Euro 2024 final victory over England on Sunday, insisting that they are on the same wavelength.

“Well I think it’s great to have Juan here on the stands,” Nadal added. “Unexpected for me to see him in Bastad. Sports people talk the same language.”

Nadal set up a quarter-final with Argentinian star Mariano Navone, who overcame Sumit Nagal in the previous round, as he continues to build up his fitness in an attempt to win a third Olympic gold of his career.

The 38-year-old knows that after skipping the grass-court season and Wimbledon in order to avoid the physical stress that comes with changing surfaces, he is without match practice and even with 22 Grand Slam titles in the bank, is prepared to put the work in to be in the best possible position to succeed in Paris.

Nadal is getting plenty of matches under his belt ahead of a return to Roland Garros, also playing doubles in Bastad with Casper Ruud, knowing the competition is going to be sky-high.

The likes of Great Britain’s Andy Murray and Dan Evans, Italy’s Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti, Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime and Milos Raonic and neutral flag athletes Daniil Medvedev and Roman Safiullin all out to scupper Nadal and Alcaraz’s partnership.