Rafael Nadal, 37, schools American kid Darwin Blanch, 16, in just 64 minutes to set up a second-round clash with Alex de Minaur at the Madrid Open

Rafael Nadal cruised past 16-year-old American Darwin Blanch in straight sets to reach the second round of the Madrid Open on Thursday.

The 37-year-old Spaniard had already won three French Opens before world number 1,034 Blanch was born, dispatching his younger opponent in just 64 minutes with a 6-1, 6-0 win.

The match set a record for the largest age difference between two players at a Masters 1,000 event.

The 37-year-old Nadal has hinted several times this year that he will retire, but overcame the largest ever age gap between two singles players at a Masters event.

“It’s great after how things have developed over the last few years. Every time I get the chance to be on the field in this great stadium with an unconditionally supportive crowd, it means a lot to me,” Nadal said after the win.

Match set a record for the largest age difference between two players at a Masters 1000 event

‘I just try to enjoy every moment. Another day of practice here tomorrow and back on the track after tomorrow. That gives me a great feeling.’

Nadal is struggling with injury and is currently ranked 644th in the world. He said he will compete at Roland Garros next month only if he feels physically able to do so.

He has won the French Open fourteen times and would likely be making his final appearance in a tournament he has made his own in recent years.

Amelie Mauresmo, tournament director of the French Open, said on Thursday: ‘We are keeping our fingers crossed, especially for him.

‘He knows he is at home here. We will follow and support whatever he wants to do.”

Next up for Nadal is Alex de Minaur, the world number 11 and friend of British number 1 Katie Boulter, in the penultimate Clay Masters before Roland Garros.