Rafael Nadal has made his first competitive appearance at the Barcelona Open as part of preparations for Roland-Garros.
It marked the first time since this year’s Brisbane Open in January that Nadal has played at a tournament, returning in January after being sidelined with a hip flexor injury.
It was a last-minute decision for Nadal, with the Spaniard taking to the court on Wednesday.
He defeated Italian young gun Flavio Cobolli in what marked the first competitive clay court appearance in 681 days.
Nadal triumphed 6-2, 6-3 in the round of 64.
Nadal will face Australia’s Alex De Minaur in the round of 32 on Thursday at midnight (AEST).
After his loss, Cobolli walked past members of the public and smiled — “Rafa is back,” he said.
“The crowd was great,” said Nadal in his post-match press conference.
“A full crowd since the beginning. Even before the match started, the court was full, so that means a lot to me to be able to walk on court today and feel that warmth and that support.
“In a very special place for me, it’s so helpful and means a lot to me to receive that support and that love.”
Nadal looks set to retire from tennis at the end of the 2024 season. However, he hopes to be able to play at Roland-Garros once more before calling time on his illustrious career.
Nadal has won Roland-Garros a record 14 times and the Barcelona Open on 12 occasions.
This year’s tournament marks the first clay court tournament since 2021 for Nadal.
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