After several months without playing, the Spaniard Rafael Nadal will return for the Barcelona tournament.
Rafael Nadal confirmed this Monday April 15 its participation in the ATP 500 tournament in Barcelona. While the Mallorcan tennis player has not played an official match since last January and his participation in the Brisbane tournament, he confirmed his return to the courts during a press conference. “I am aware of the situation, my preparation is a bit tight” explained the man who fell to 644th place in the world. He also confirmed that this season would be his last. Rafael Nadal will enter the fray tomorrow against Flavio Cobolli, 62nd player in the world.
“Two difficult years”
The most successful player in history on clay returns to his favorite surface with the Barcelona tournament, where he has already won 12 times. “It was a difficult two years, we had to accept the situation,” he declared. “But I’m happy to be here, and to be able to enjoy every moment during this last year. This will be my last participation in Godó.” The Spaniard has not played on clay since his title at Roland Garros in 2022.
Encouraging training
For several days, videos have been circulating on social networks of Rafael Nadal training on the Barcelona courts. If the intensity of the strikes and the movements seem to show that the Spaniard can once again line up on the circuit, his serve still seems hesitant. “I have served very little in recent months, due to the problems I have had” confirmed Nadal during his press conference, “there is of course uncertainty, but I feel ready to play.”