Rafael Nadal makes his eagerly anticipated return to clay at the Barcelona Open this afternoon as the Spaniard faces Flavio Cobolli.
Nadal has only played three competitive matches in 2024 after his comeback year was disrupted by further injuries. After missing the entire 2023 season, Nadal is playing his first match on clay since winning his 14th French Open title at Roland Garros in 2022.
Nadal will aim to build up his fitness ahead of what could be a final appearance at the French Open this summer, with the 37-year-old considering retirement at the end of the season.
"It means a lot to me to be able to play one more time here in Barcelona, a place that I have amazing success and a lot of unforgettable memories,” Nadal said.
"So, I am just trying to enjoy every moment and I am excited about being on court in a professional tournament again, especially here at home."
How can I watch the Barcelona Open?
The Barcelona Open is live on Sky Sports Tennis. If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
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What time is Rafael Nadal playing?
Nadal will be in action against Cobolli from 3:45pm BST on Tuesday 16th April - following the match between Andrey Rublev and Brandon Nakashima. Nakashima has won 6-4 7-6.
What has Nadal said ahead of his return?
"In 2022 I cannot and I was not able to think about how long it would take me to be back playing in a clay-court tournament because at the time I was enjoying the title of Roland Garros and trying to be ready for the next event.
"That is what I have been doing my whole life. To think about what is going on day-by-day and just try to adapt to the situation, try to be able to improve under any circumstances to be a better player. That is what I did all my life and it worked well.
"Now I am in a different perspective of my tennis career, a different moment and I am trying to enjoy every moment.
"I was not able to spend a lot of days on tour over the last two years, so I just want to enjoy every day I am able to play with the guys on a professional level. That means a lot for me."