Rafael Nadal makes winning return in Barcelona as French Open looms

Rafael Nadal secured victory on his ATP Tour return, beating Flavio Cobolli as he aims to put injury issues behind him before the French Open begins.

The 37-year-old faced the world No.62 in the opening round of the Barcelona Open on Tuesday, conjuring up a 6-2 6-3 win in his first clay match since June 2022.

Nadal was playing his first professional match since the Brisbane International in January with injury problems ruling him out of the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne.

The 22-time major champion tried to return in Qatar, California and Monte-Carlo respectively but his body was not ready and he was forced to wait until April.

Nadal, who has admitted that 2024 is likely to be his final year in tennis before retirement, is now back as he looks to play Roland-Garros for the very last time.

The Spaniard is the most successful player in French Open history – registering an incredible 14 men’s singles titles and earning the nickname ‘King of Clay’ – with the second Grand Slam of the year getting underway in Paris in around six weeks.

Nadal, who will next face world No.11 Alex De Minaur, particularly impressed with his forehand and footwork in his win over 21-year-old Italian Cobolli.

‘Happy to start with a victory,’ Nadal said after his first-round win in Barcelona.

‘I have had to try a lot of times to come back in my career and at this advanced stage it makes it even tougher.

‘But when I’m able to come on tour for a few days and practise with the guys it’s still very enjoyable.’

Meanwhile, Nadal was forced to defend his serve in an interview with Spanish television.

‘I’m not going to serve like crazy [in my first match back],’ Nadal added.

‘I had some moments where I feel more freedom. Some I felt I needed to be more careful. I just need to be logical.’