Spaniard Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam singles champion, has been tormented by accidents lately.
After pulling out of final 12 months’s French Open he stated he planned to retire after the 2024 season however on his return in Brisbane suggested he may continue if fit.
His match in opposition to Italian 21-year-old Flavio Cobolli on Tuesday in Barcelona, the place he has gained the title a file 12 instances, will probably be his first on clay since profitable the ultimate of the 2022 French Open.
His return this week does elevate hope of him competing subsequent month at Roland Garros, the place he has gained 14 of his main titles.
“It means rather a lot to me to have the ability to play yet another time right here in Barcelona, a spot that I’ve wonderful success and lots of unforgettable reminiscences,” he stated.
“So, I’m simply attempting to get pleasure from each second and I’m enthusiastic about being on courtroom in an expert event once more, particularly right here at house.
“I used to be not in a position to spend so much of days on tour over the past two years, so I simply need to get pleasure from daily I’m able to play with the blokes on an expert degree. Which means rather a lot for me.”
Elsewhere within the draw Britain’s Dan Evans was crushed 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 by American 22-year-old Brandon Nakashima.
However British quantity two Jack Draper, ranked three locations above Evans, beat Czech world quantity 119 Vit Kopriva within the first spherical of the Bavarian Worldwide in Munich.
