Rafael Nadal was quick to credit Real Madrid after overcoming David Goffin 6-3 5-7 7-6 (11-9) in the Madrid Open round of 16 on Thursday.
The Spaniard was pushed all the way by his Belgian opponent in a match that lasted over three hours and saw Nadal save four match points.
Nadal's heroics came the day after local football club Real Madrid staged an epic comeback against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
Nadal, a lifelong fan of the side, reportedly had his first match at the Madrid Open rescheduled to an earlier time on Wednesday in order to attend the game.
That decision proved vital with Real's subsequent performance that saw them score twice in the final minutes of regular time inspiring Nadal to dig deep during his clash with Goffin.
"Yesterday was an unforgettable night. The spirit the Real Madrid team has is just incredible," Nadal said post-match.
"For me today in some way it was an inspiration by the way I've been fighting my whole tennis career.
"Honestly, it was such a tough match. David played a very high level but at the same time I am not completely happy because I have to finish the match in straight sets.
"A very important victory saving match points, that's confidence and that's giving me the chance to keep going.
"I need matches and games like today to be fitter sooner."
Just like Real Madrid, Nadal fought back from the brink to defeat Goffin and knows there are two sides to wins like that.
"Last night's victory was incredible, exciting and unforgettable for those of us who are Real Madrid fans and love football," Nadal said.
"In the same way it was cruel for Manchester City. I know how hard it is to lose like this as a sportsman."
After winning the Australian Open earlier this year to claim the record for most Grand Slams, Nadal is only just returning to the court after a six-week break due to a stress fracture in his ribs.
The 35-year-old will next face young Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in the Madrid Open quarter-finals with the teenager already earning comparisons to Nadal after breaking into the top 10.