Rafael Nadal ‘takes it easy’ as he wins comeback match, setting up clash with Australian number one

With a crosscourt forehand that forced his opponent back to the net, Rafael Nadal has completed a very successful return to action.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner had not been seen on court since his brief return in Brisbane in January, his only tournament since the Australian Open in January 2023.

He had not played on clay since winning the French Open title for the 14th time in June 2022.

But on a court named after him and backed by an adoring crowd, he defeated world number 62 Flavio Cobolli 6-2, 6-3 in one hour and 25 minutes in the first round of the Barcelona Open.

That set up a second-round clash with Australian number one Alex de Minaur, who will be a much tougher test than the nervous Cobolli, who committed 41 unforced errors.

“I’m having fun, happy to start with a victory,” Nadal said on court.

“When you are at an older age, things become even more difficult. [to come back] “But being able to stay on tour for a few days and practice with the guys, and be able to compete a little bit, means a lot to me.”