By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday April 15, 2024
Rafael Nadal is not going to be beneath any illusions when he takes the courtroom on Tuesday at Barcelona to play his first match on clay since 2022. The King of Clay is low on expectations however excessive on appreciation – it means loads for him to return to the clay in a particular place like Barcelona, the place he has received a file 12 titles.
“Moderately than regretting the locations I haven’t been capable of play, I’m completely satisfied to be right here,” he mentioned in line with the ATP web site. “On a private stage, to me being in Barcelona is a present.
Tuesday April 16 Barcelona
Rafael Nadal again on an ATP Tour schedule
Again on the courtroom that bears his identify pic.twitter.com/inmYpVRkKd
— Christopher Clarey 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 (@christophclarey) April 15, 2024
“I’m treating it as my final yr, I wish to get pleasure from each second. That makes all the pieces just a little extra particular. At present that’s how I really feel. It harm not with the ability to be in Monte-Carlo final week however, fortunately, issues have improved this week. I really feel able to exit and play tomorrow.”
Nadal, who will face Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in Tuesday’s last match in Barcelona, says he made the late choice to come back to Barcelona as a result of he had a optimistic week on the apply courts and he feels able to benefit from the chance to play on his beloved clay, on dwelling soil.
“With out pondering any extra about it, about my readiness. I’m conscious of what the state of affairs is,” he mentioned. “Issues can occur, I’m solely simply prepared. However I’m life like and, to me, merely being right here is thrilling and with the ability to play this event and on this courtroom makes me completely satisfied.”