Rafael Nadal makes winning return at Barcelona Open and says he has ‘no pain’
Rafael Nadal enjoyed a straightforward homecoming at the Barcelona Open after 102 days on the sidelines, but questions about his physical state remain.
Before Tuesday, 22-time major champion Nadal had not played a competitive tennis match since January at the Brisbane Open. Hip and abdominal injuries have affected him ever since, curtailing what is expected to be his farewell season.
After pulling out of last week’s Monte Carlo tournament, 37-year-old Nadal was adamant about returning on the clay in Barcelona, where he has won 12 times and even the main court is named after him. ]]>
Before Tuesday, 22-time major champion Nadal had not played a competitive tennis match since January at the Brisbane Open. Hip and abdominal injuries have affected him ever since, curtailing what is expected to be his farewell season.
After pulling out of last week’s Monte Carlo tournament, 37-year-old Nadal was adamant about returning on the clay in Barcelona, where he has won 12 times and even the main court is named after him. ]]>