Mathieu Warnier, Media365: published on Tuesday April 16, 2024 at 11:00 p.m.
For his first match since January, Rafael Nadal dominated Flavio Cobolli in two sets. If he did not hide his satisfaction, the Spaniard does not want to go too quickly when Alex de Minaur will be his next opponent.
This match has been anticipated for many months. After a truncated return to competition in Brisbane last January, Rafael Nadal truly became a tennis player again this Tuesday in Barcelona. Facing Flavio Cobolli, the “Bull of Manacor” has rediscovered the taste of victory but above all savors the fact of having arrived at the end of a long road. “I have tried many times in my career to come back like that, but when you get older, it makes things even more difficult,” he confided after the match. I went through some tough times, but at the same time when I can train again with my colleagues and compete in tournaments, I still have enough fun to continue playing. » Nevertheless, the Majorcan did not approach this return in the best conditions, still being delicate with his body in service, as his uncle was able to reveal after the announcement of his absence in Monte-Carlo. “I will use common sense and not serve like crazy,” confirmed Rafael Nadal. I must serve with caution and the means of the moment. » Unable to “put aside doubts on a physical level”, the former world number 1 is delighted to have had “a good first round” even if his opponent “made mistakes”.
Nadal: “It’s difficult to anticipate things”
When it comes time to take stock of this first appearance on the court, Rafael Nadal admits to drawing “a slight confidence in (his) ability to be competitive” while being “not surprised” by his level of play. Nevertheless , while a duel against Alex de Minaur presents itself this Wednesday, the “Bull of Manacor” is lucid as to what he will have to do to compete with the Australian. “I will have to do more tomorrow (Wednesday) against a top player,” he said. In his eyes, it would be “stupid” to see him as a favorite at Barcelona after this single match, which he refuses to analyze too deeply “from a tactical or technical point of view”. In any case, Rafael Nadal intends to give his all on the court, with the hope of accumulating confidence. “I try to adapt to what I have and play with the best competitive spirit possible,” he assures, with the duel against Alex de Minaur in mind. I don’t know how I will approach the match. It’s difficult to anticipate things because I’m like in a jungle: you never know what you might find in terms of physical level. I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep up with his pace. » If he doesn’t want to get fired up, Rafael Nadal still reassured a lot of people this Tuesday.
2024-04-16 21:00:00
#Barcelona #Nadal #ignite
