 "Rafael Nadal to make long-awaited return next week in Barcelona")
Rafael Nadal said it will be “a joy” to return to competitive action next week for the first time since January when he takes part in the Barcelona Open where he is a 12-time champion.
The Spaniard has played just once, an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz, since he felt a hip injury flare-up during a quarter-final defeat by Jordan Thompson in Brisbane on the eve of the Australian Open.
“I’m happy to be here, of course, Barcelona is a place that has brought me a great deal of joy, and where I have spent periods of my life,” said Nadal at Saturday’s draw ceremony.
Nadal will play 63rd-ranked Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in his opening match.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner, who turns 38 in June, will be hoping for a problem-free return as he builds towards seeking a record-extending 15th French Open title.
The former World No. 1 has seen his ranking slip to 646 after missing virtually all of 2023 season.
“Over the last two years I’ve had very few days on tour, so spending days here, seeing people, being able to practise with players is a joy,” added Nadal.
“I’m keen to carry on. The tournament has some incredible players.”
Rafa Nadal le acaba de clavar un 6-1 a Rublev, número 6 del mundo y todavía vigente campeón de Montecarlo.
— Ignasi Rosell (@ignasirosell_) April 13, 2024
Buenísimas sensaciones de Rafa en el entrenamiento.
👀En un momento del set, le ha dicho a su entrenador Carlos Moyá: “CÓMO ESTOY SACANDO!”
Optimismo de cara al martes🤔 pic.twitter.com/RpvqsDC2dg
The 2022 and 2023 Barcelona champion Alcaraz will begin his clay-court campaign after missing the Monte Carlo Masters due to a right arm injury.
World number three Alcaraz is top seed and has a bye in the first round before facing either China’s Zhang Zhizhen or Luca Van Assche of France.
Nadal has never played Cobolli, 16 years his junior. If he gets past him, he will face the tougher task of 11th-ranked Australian Alex de Minaur in the second round.
There is the prospect of a tantalising semi-final meeting with Alcaraz on the centre court which now bears Nadal’s name.
On Saturday afternoon, Nadal trained with sixth-ranked Andrey Rublev of Russia and appeared to move smoothly around the court.
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