Rafael Nadal has finally announced his plans for the French Open, his third trip of the 2024 calendar year. The Barcelona Open announced on Monday that Rafael Nadal would be competing in the upcoming tournament, which takes place from April 13 to April 21. With an emotional 35-second clip shared on social media, the ATP event’s official handle made the big announcement with the caption: “We have missed you, Rafa.”
Having won the Barcelona Open twelve times in his career—the first in 2005 and the last in 2021—the Mallorcan player has a unique affinity with the tournament. Not to mention, the centre court at the Barcelona Open bears Nadal’s name. Nadal has been a part of the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona since he was a little child. Also read: Jannik Sinner Claims Most Improved Player Of The Year 2023
Following the big announcement, sports director of the Barcelona Open, David Ferrer, said: “Rafa is the best player in the history of this sport and the standard bearer of our tournament. Being able to continue enjoying it in Barcelona is fortunate and it is something that, on a personal level, excites me very much and makes me very happy.”
Nadal will make his first appearance on the ATP tour in what will be his longest hiatus from tennis activity in the first week of January. He last competed in Brisbane in 2017, reaching the quarterfinals. In fact, it was his only appearance at an ATP 250 event during his career.
Nadal has been out of the game since January 2023, when he suffered a hip injury in the second round of the Australian Open. He then missed the rest of the season, including a potential 15th French Open victory, when he underwent surgery in June. He has also confirmed his participation in the 204 Australian Open, which will be place in Melbourne from January 14 to 28. Also read: Carlos Alcaraz To Compete In 2024 Australian Open Without Coach