Who is Rafael Nadal's Madrid Open 1R opponent? All you need to know about Darwin Blanch, the Ben Shelton-doppelganger & Carlos Alcaraz hitting partner

The 2024 Madrid Open draw has been unveiled and it pits Rafael Nadal against new kid on the block Darwin Blanch in the first round. The American youngster, all of 16 years of age, has been thrust into the spotlight due to his impending high-profile showdown.

Blanch was born on September 28, 2007 and grew up in Deerfield Beach, Florida, United States. His family later moved to Orlando in the same state in order to train him at the USTA National Campus. It was the right move as he won the USTA U-16 title at the age of 14 in August 2022.

Blanch also became the second-youngest player to have an ATP ranking point to his name. He achieved the feat when he was 14 years and five months old with a win over Gerald Planelles at an ITF tournament in February 2022.

Blanch currently trains at the Juan Carlos Ferrero Academy. It's also where two-time Major champion Carlos Alcaraz spends the majority of his time training. Naturally, the two crossed paths and befriended each other.

Blanch later became Alcaraz's hitting partner and has learned a lot from his senior. The American has displayed considerable promise so far and reached the semifinals of the junior French Open and Wimbledon last year.

The teenager revealed that Alcaraz sent him encouraging messages during his Wimbledon run, which helped him improve his performance. Based on his potential, the Miami Open tournament organizers decided to take a chance and awarded him a wildcard for this year's edition.

Blanch was drawn against Tomas Machac in the first round and despite his best efforts, lost to the Czech 6-4, 6-2. He still made quite an impression on his ATP Tour debut and made headlines for another reason as well, mainly due to his likeness to Ben Shelton.

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Ben Shelton approves Darwin Blanch as his look-alike

Darwin Blanch at the 2023 US Open.

Darwin Blanch's time at this year's Miami Open was short-lived but he courted considerable attention. Fans felt that he bore a striking resemblance to his older compatriot, Ben Shelton.

Both are of similar height and build, and coupled with their trademark curls and complexion, the two resemble long-lost twins. Shelton certainly felt that way as well and declared him his doppelganger on Instagram.

"Me 2.0," - Ben Shelton's comment regarding Darwin Blanch on Instagram.

Ben Shelton comments about Darwin Blanch on Instagram.

Blanch will now gear up for the biggest match of his career. Many of his peers would relish the opportunity to go toe-to-toe with Nadal but not everyone is fortunate enough to do so. Regardless of the outcome, the young American will be excited to take on the King of Clay on his home turf.