Rafa Nadal marks comeback at Barcelona Open

As reported by Reuters (https://www.reuters.com/sports/tennis/nadal-confirms-comeback-barcelona-open-face-cobolli-2024-04-15/) and ATP Media (https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-barcelona-2024-preview)

The anticipation mounts for Rafael Nadal as he prepares to mark his comeback at this week’s Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell. The former top-ranked player, absent from the court since January 5th, diligently trains in Catalonia with a singular aim — the opportunity to compete on home turf, to unleash his strokes with abandon, and to rediscover the joy of playing tennis, a pursuit that has defined his existence and one he eagerly anticipates resuming.

“I’m happy to be here,” said the Spaniard, who hasn’t been at the Conde de Godó event since claiming his 12th title there in 2021. “I have many very good memories of this tournament. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to be here in recent years. Luckily I was able to come here as a last-minute decision. I think, all things considered, the week of training has been positive. Tomorrow I will be on court.”

Here’s a short video from TennisTv to hear from the man himself!

His upcoming match against Flavio Cobolli, ranked 62nd in the PIF ATP Rankings, marks his return to the circuit after what felt like an eternity to everyone. Fans eagerly await his appearance at Real Club de Tennis Barcelona 1899, recognizing the arduous journey he’s undertaken to reach this point.

Following a challenging 2023 season marred by a psoas operation and hip issues, the Spaniard made his comeback to the ATP Tour in Brisbane this January. Despite securing two victories, his journey ended in the quarter-finals against Jordan Thompson due to an injury recurrence.

A minor muscle tear in the same problematic area that sidelined him in 2023 forced him to withdraw from both the Australian Open and the ATP 250 in Doha, events he had intended to compete in at the season’s outset. Proceeding cautiously, he opted out of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, the Miami Open presented by Itaú, and the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, the initial trio of ATP Masters 1000 tournaments of the year.

Here at Baseplay Tennis we wish him all the best with this comeback for the clay season and are eager to watch him!