Former world No.1 Rafael Nadal confirms appearance at Barcelona Open
Rafael Nadal says he is “just trying to enjoy every moment” as he returns to the tour for the first time since January at this week’s Barcelona Open.
After almost a year out with injuries, the former world No.1 returned to Brisbane but has not played since because of a hip issue.
The 37-year-old said it “means” a lot to play “one more time” in Barcelona, adding further to the suggestion this will be his last year on tour.
“I can’t give you an injury update because the list is long,” Nadal said.
“I can only tell you that today I feel good enough to be on court tomorrow and that for me is so important.”
Spaniard Nadal, a 22-time
Grand Slam singles champion, has been plagued by injuries in recent years.
After pulling out of last year’s French Open he said he planned to retire after the 2024 season but on his return in Brisbane suggested he may continue if fit.
His match against Italian 21-year-old Flavio Cobolli in Barcelona, where he has won the title a record 12 times, will be his first on clay since winning the final of the 2022 French Open.
His return this week does raise hope of him competing next month at Roland Garros, where he has won 14 of his major titles.
“It means a lot to me to be able to play one more time here in Barcelona, a place where I have amazing success and a lot of unforgettable memories,” he said.
“So, I am just trying to enjoy every moment and I am excited about being on court in a professional tournament again, especially here at home.
“I was not able to spend a lot of days on tour over the last two years, so I just want to enjoy every day I am able to play with the guys on a professional level. That means a lot for me.”
Murray will not have surgery
Andy Murray will not have surgery on an ankle injury suffered last month but does not have a date for his return.
The Scot, 36, ruptured ankle ligaments at the Miami Open and no timescale has been given for his return.
A spokesperson said on Monday that the three-time Grand Slam champion’s rehab is “going well” and he is hoping to start hitting again on court soon.
Britain’s former world No.1 has previously said he does not plan to “play much past this summer”.
“Latest update from Andy is that he is now out of the walking boot and will not be having surgery on his ankle,” a spokesperson said.
“His rehab is going well and he is hoping to start hitting again on court soon. As yet he doesn’t have a date yet for returning to competition.”
Murray, who turns 37 in May, said earlier this year that he wants to compete at another Olympic Games before he retires.
The two-time Olympic champion has also indicated he wants to make a final appearance at the French Open, which starts on 26 May.
Murray has only played once at Roland Garros since undergoing career-saving hip resurfacing surgery in 2019, losing to Stan Warwinka in the first round in 2020.
Wimbledon, where he is a twotime champion, begins on 1 July, while the Olympics take place in Paris from 26 July.