Sport News In Brief - Nadal's Winning Return As British Trio Make History In Madrid

Home favourite Rafa Nadal won in Madrid on his return from injury

Rafa Nadal returned from an injury layoff to beat Miomir Kecmanovic 6-1 7-6 (4) yesterday and reach the last 16 in the Madrid Open clay court tournament. The Australian Open champion, competing in his first match since March following a rib injury, recovered from failing to serve out the match at 6-5 in the second set to seal victory in just under two hours. Nadal, who improved his win-loss record to 21-1 for the season, is aiming to win his sixth title on home soil in Madrid having last won the tournament in 2017, and will next play qualifier David Goffin.

Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans helped create British history by joining Andy Murray in the third round to make it the first ever ATP Masters 1000 event on clay where Britain has had three players at that stage. Murray booked his spot - and a meeting with old rival Novak Djokovic this morning - on Tuesday night and Norrie and Evans followed suit the next day. British No 1 Norrie beat big-serving American John Isner in three sets, winning 6-4 6-7 (5) 6-4 to set up a date with rising star Carlos Alcaraz.

Evans, who has been short of wins lately, posted an impressive 6-3 5-7 7-6 (2) success over home favourite Roberto Bautista Agut and will take on world No 8 Andrey Rublev this morning. Earlier, world No 3 Alexander Zverev overcame a slow start to beat Marin Cilic 4-6 6-4 6-4, while qualifier Dusan Lajovic beat fifth seed Casper Ruud 7-6 (7) 2-6 6-4. PA/Reuters

Whyte reveals Joshua rematch talks to 'finally settle score'