Rafael Nadal stated on Monday that he will participate this week’s Barcelona Open, his first tournament since January. “I arrived here… in a last-minute decision because I didn’t know if I was going to be able to play,” the 22-time Grand Slam champion stated during a press conference.
“Tomorrow I’m going to be on the court.” On Tuesday, he’ll face Italian Flavio Cobolli, 21, in his debut encounter. Also read: Rafael Nadal Gives Injury Update As He Sets A Comeback Goal
Nadal, 37, withdrew from last week’s Monte Carlo Masters, citing a lack of physical readiness. His most recent ATP Tour match was in Brisbane in January.
The former world number one has stated that he will to retire after the 2024 season, but he is desperate to compete in the French Open, where he has won a record 14 titles. Nadal’s debut in Brisbane marked his first match in over a year, following a hip flexor injury.
He has won the Barcelona championship 12 times, but hasn’t competed in the clay-court event since 2021. Also read: Simona Halep Reveals The ‘Disastrous’ Outcome of Her Doping Ban Following Her Comeback in Miami