D-Day has arrived. Nadal returns to the ATP circuit. Can he pass the tough test in Barcelona?

Tennis fans have finally arrived. Rafael Nadal is finally returning to the ATP circuit. And at the Barcelona tournament, where he has achieved so much. What opponents await him and how is the tennis legend approaching the tournament?

Nadal is back

This wait has seemed endless. Rafael Nadal last appeared on the ATP circuit in early January. He managed to win two duels in Brisbane, only to be knocked out by home tennis player Jordan Thomson.

This was followed by repeated postponements of his return date. Everything was geared towards the start of the clay court season so that the Spanish tennis player would have enough time to warm up before his royal event – the French Open.

Last week, the 37-year-old was expected at the Masters in Monte Carlo. In vain. But the spectators in Barcelona will be waiting this week.

Not just the experience

The king of clay has already managed to win twelve times in Barcelona. The last time he triumphed was three years ago. This year is probably his last as a player.

The tournament will therefore have a very special flavour for him and Nadal wants to enjoy it. However, certainly not without being competitive. But he is aware that anything can happen.

And apart from his health, his situation will certainly not be made easier by the competition, which, despite the absence of defending champion Alcaraz, has come together in an awesome way. The top-seeded tennis players are Russia’s Rublev and Norway’s Ruud.

But the star Spaniard can play them only at the end of the event in the Catalan capital. One major obstacle was thrown in his way almost at the start of the tournament.

If Nadal passes the opening test with Italian Cobolli, he will challenge Australian De Minaur. The latter is considered one of the fastest players on the circuit and is currently the third highest seeded player in the tournament.

Tomas Machac, the only Czech representative in Barcelona, is not far behind. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Nadal’s first match is scheduled for Tuesday at 16:00 at the earliest.

Source: ATP, Barcelona Open