Nadal to face Cobolli in Barcelona Open comeback

Rafa Nadal has confirmed that he will play this week’s Barcelona Open in what will be the Spaniard’s first tournament since January and first appearance on clay since the 2022 French Open.

“I arrived here a bit like in a last-minute decision as I didn’t know if I was going to be able to play,” the 22-time Grand Slam champion told reporters at a news conference. “Tomorrow I’m going to be on the court.”

The 37-year-old Nadal, whose last ATP Tour match was in Brisbane before he pulled out of the Australian Open, withdrew from last week’s Monte Carlo Masters saying that his body was not yet ready for competition.

Former world No 1 Nadal has said he expects to retire after the 2024 season but is keen to play at the French Open where he has won a record 14 titles.

However, his struggle to recover from hip-flexor surgery has cast doubt on whether he can continue his career.

His opening match in Barcelona, where he has won a record 12 titles and the main court is named in his honour, will be against 21-year-old Italian Flavio Cobolli. Speaking to reporters after his practice session on Monday, Nadal said that it was a gift to be able to compete in Barcelona.

“I thought ‘ can I or can ’ t I? ’ It has been a difficult two years. I come from a major hip operation, which takes time to recover,” he told reporters.

“Things happen in the body and I couldn’t follow the schedule I wanted.

“My last year, and I want to enjoy every moment. I feel ready to play tomorrow. I don’t think about how I get there. I know what the situation is, that I’m just preparing, but I’m realistic. For me, being here is a joy.”

Nadal, whose dazzling career has included battles with various injuries, said he had practised well in Barcelona.

“I don’t know what will happen in the future, but I am going to try to give myself the best opportunity,” he said. “The week of training has been positive and I am living with the hope of doing my best. I can’t give you an injury update because the list is long. I can only tell you that today I feel good enough to be on court tomorrow and that means a lot.”

Nadal thrashed Casper Ruud in his last clay court match in the final of the 2022 French Open./