Rafael Nadal marked his return from injury with an impressive performance at the Barcelona Open on Tuesday, defeating Flavio Cobolli 6-2, 6-3 in just one hour and 25 minutes to advance to the second round. The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who had not played an ATP Tour match since January, showcased his trademark dominance on clay, reminiscent of his past glories on the surface.
In his post-match remarks to TVE, Nadal expressed satisfaction with his performance, acknowledging the challenges of returning from injury. Despite some lingering doubts, particularly on the physical front, Nadal described his victory as a good start, emphasizing his focus on playing the right game. With aspirations to compete in his final year on the professional circuit, Nadal is eyeing a successful campaign, including a potential appearance at Roland Garros in May.
Nadal's next opponent will be Alex de Minaur, and while Nadal anticipates a tough challenge against the 11th-ranked player, he remains determined to maintain his level of play. Against Cobolli, Nadal demonstrated his mastery on clay, capitalizing on his opponent's errors and feeding off the energy of the supportive crowd. With his trademark fist pumps and unwavering focus, Nadal secured breaks at crucial moments to seal the victory, showcasing his enduring competitive spirit and resilience on the court.
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