Rafael Nadal is set to face Flavio Cobelli in the first round of the Barcelona Open 2024. It will be his first match in the clay season, which could help him gain confidence ahead of the Roland Garros 2024. Both of them would be looking forward to the match which is expected to help the Spaniard on his way towards his den.
It has been a long time since the Tennis world witnessed a fully fit Nadal in action. The star player announced that it would be his last tournament as a player before he retires. Hence, there are a lot of expectations among the fans regarding his clay season. Rafa is a beast on clay. Fans are hoping to see the best version of the 14-time French Open winner.
In 2023, Nadal missed out on playing a lot of tournaments due to the injuries. He got injured in the Australian Open and got ruled out for the rest of the year. The star player was at the Brisbane Open earlier this year before he could take part in the Australian Open 2024. Even in the Brisbane Open 2024, the fighter got injured and pulled out.
Winner to face Alex De Minaur
Nadal had to pull out of the Monte Carlo Masters, a tournament where he usually starts his clay season as a preparatory assignment to the Roland Garros. Due to the injury he sustained in the Brisbane Open, Nadal was unable to play the tournament. Barcelona Open will be the last opportunity for the Southpaw to try and be in good shape ahead of the major clay tournament.
If Nadal manages to beat the Italian in the first round, he will be up against Alex De Minaur. The fourth-seeded player got a bye in the first round and would be hoping to face Nadal to prepare in the best way possible for the big Grand Slam event. For Nadal, the focus would be to avoid a potential injury and remain fit in the process of preparing for the tournament.
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