Rafael Nadal mentioned he was delighted to make a profitable return on the Barcelona Open on Tuesday and that it meant lots to him after going via a troublesome interval on account of accidents.
The previous World No. 1 superior to the second spherical with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Flavio Cobolli.
The 37-year-old Spaniard beat the 62nd-ranked Italian in his first event since January and first look on clay for the reason that 2022 French Open.
Nadal’s final ATP Tour match was the quarterfinals of the Brisbane Worldwide, earlier than he pulled out of the Australian Open. He withdrew from final week’s Monte Carlo Masters saying his physique was not but prepared for competitors.
“I attempted numerous instances in my profession,” Nadal mentioned, referring to his quite a few harm comebacks. “Each time it’s harder and particularly whenever you’re at a sophisticated age it makes issues even more durable.”
“I’m going via powerful moments however on the identical time when I’m able to be on the tour for a number of days and practise with the fellows, and to have the ability to compete just a little bit, it means lots to me. Nonetheless sufficient satisfying to maintain doing it.”
The 22-time Grand Slam champion’s accidents have brought about doubts about his potential to compete on the elite stage once more after he beforehand mentioned that he anticipated to complete his glittering profession in 2024.
Nadal is eager to play on the French Open, the place he has gained a report 14 titles with the most recent coming in 2022. The French Open fundamental draw begins on Might 26.
He subsequent faces fourth seed Alex de Minaur in Barcelona, the place he has gained a report 12 titles and the primary court docket is known as in his honour.