Tennis Rafael Nadal wins his comeback in Barcelona
Rafael Nadal won his comeback match in Barcelona in straight sets. photo
© Eric Renom/LaPresse via ZUMA Press/dpa
Tennis star Rafael Nadal is back – and befittingly with a victory. After a long injury break, the clay court king was in good form. A German also reached the second round.
Spain’s tennis star Rafael Nadal has made a successful comeback after a forced break of more than three months.
The 37-year-old beat the Italian Flavio Cobolli 6:2, 6:3 on his favorite clay surface at the ATP tournament in Barcelona and confidently moved into the second round. There the 22-time Grand Slam tournament winner will meet fourth-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur.
“I’ve tried it several times in my career, and every time it gets more difficult. Especially when you’re older. That makes things more difficult,” said Nadal afterwards with a smile about his return to the court: “I “I’ve been through difficult moments, but at the same time it means a lot to me to be able to be on the tour for a few days, train with the guys and compete with them.” The joy of it is still very great.
A lack of rhythm can be noted in certain game situations
In his first match since the beginning of January, Nadal was in good form, even if he understandably lacked rhythm in certain game situations. After the Spaniard converted his second match point after 85 minutes, he raised his fist and let the Spanish fans celebrate.
Due to a long-term hip injury after the Australian Open in January 2023, Nadal canceled all tournament participation. This year, the Spaniard made his comeback before the first Grand Slam tournament of the year in Brisbane, but was injured again there and then did not play a match again until his Barcelona appearance.
The sporting highlight of the clay court season is the French Open, which begins in Paris at the end of May and where Nadal is the record winner. The Spaniard had already announced last year that 2024 would most likely be his last year on the tennis tour.
The German tennis professional Daniel Altmaier also made it into the second round. The 25-year-old from Kempen beat Australian Alexei Popyrin 6:3, 7:6 (7:4). In the second round Altmaier will face Frenchman Arthur Fils. Altmaier is the only German participant in Barcelona. The tournament takes place parallel to Munich, where German number one Alexander Zverev is competing alongside others.
dpa
#Subjects
