Rafael Nadal set to feature at Barcelona Open: Details here
Spanish maestro Rafael Nadal is set to feature at the 2024 Barcelona Open, the 37-year-old confirmed on April 15. The 22-time Grand Slam champion will take on Flavio Cobolli in the R64 encounter, which marks his first tour-level match since January this year. Notably, Nadal underwent surgery on his hip last year before competing at the Brisbane International. He missed the Australian Open thereafter.
Why does this story matter?
Nadal is among the all-time greats in tennis. His grit and fighting spirit are second to none. Tennis fans all across the globe are awaiting the return of Nadal, who has been sitting out since January. They will be elated to see the Spaniard gear up for the Barcelona Open. Notably, Nadal has won the clay-court tournament 12 times.
I will be on court: Nadal
Nadal, in a press conference on Monday, stated that he is fit to compete at the Barcelona Open. The Spaniard added that he will continue practicing in the tune-up to the tournament. "I came here with a bit of a last-minute decision because I didn't know if I was going to be able to play. Tomorrow I will be on the court," he said.
Nadal's absence from tennis
The 2024 Brisbane International was the event where Nadal made his return after a long-term injury lay-off. The Spaniard gave a brilliant account of himself by winning matches against Dominic Thiem and Jason Kubler. However, he lost to Jordan Thompson in the quarter-final in three sets. Nadal also injured his leg, which ruled him out of the Australian Open.
Most titles at Barcelona Open
As mentioned, Nadal has 12 Barcelona Open titles, the most in the clay-court tournament. The Spaniard emerged victorious in 2005-2009, 2011-2013, 2016-2018, and 2021. He has a perfect record in the finals (12). Notably, Nadal has won (66) and played (70) the most Barcelona Open matches. He has the highest win percentage (94.3). Nadal last competed in Barcelona in 2021.
Will Nadal play French Open?
It will be interesting to see if Nadal features at the French Open this time. He missed the clay-court Grand Slam in 2023. Nadal has a total of 14 Roland Garros titles, with his last coming in 2022.