In a stunning comeback at the Barcelona Open, Rafael Nadal emerged victorious on Wednesday, overpowering Italian Flavio Cobolli with a remarkable score of 6-2, 6-3.
This triumphant win marks Nadal’s 12th championship title at this prestigious event.
“Every time it is more difficult and especially when you are at an advanced age, it makes things even tougher,” Nadal said.
“I’m going through tough moments but at the same time, when I’m able to be on Tour for a few days and practise with the guys and then be able to compete a little bit,”
“It means a lot to me. Still enjoyable enough to keep going. I’m happy to start with a victory without a doubt,” Nadal added.
The Spaniard made a resounding return to professional tennis after a prolonged absence from the court.
The Barcelona Open is only Nadal’s second tournament of the year, with his previous appearance dating back to January.
During that time, he showcased his exceptional skills by reaching the quarterfinals of the ATP 250 in Brisbane.
Nadal showcased his unparalleled mastery on the surface after securing his 14th Roland Garros trophy in 2022. Tuesday’s remarkable win marked his 475th victory on clay, as reported by ATP.
Setting his sights on the next challenge, Nadal will face off against the formidable fourth seed, Alex de Minaur.
With a 3-1 advantage in their ATP head-to-head series, the 37-year-old Spaniard enters the match with a confident stride.
Nadal’s dominance on the ATP 500 stage is well-established, boasting an impressive 67-4 match record. His journey at this prestigious tournament began in 2005 when he first clinched the title, and he most recently triumphed in 2021.
This exceptional track record further solidifies Nadal’s status as a force to be reckoned with on the ATP tour.
