English Woman's Journal - Nadal makes comeback from injury at Barcelona Open

Weather - London 9°C

Nadal makes comeback from injury at Barcelona Open

SPORTS 16.04.2024

Nadal makes comeback from injury at Barcelona Open / Photo: Pau Barrena - AFP

Tennis great Rafael Nadal made his comeback from injury at the Barcelona Open on Tuesday, starting his first round match against Flavio Cobolli.

Change text size:

The injury-plagued 22-time Grand Slam winner, 37, had not played on the ATP Tour since January at the Brisbane International, when he felt a hip problem flare up.

Clay court king Nadal, who withdrew from the Australian Open, Doha and Indian Wells, also missed virtually all of the 2023 season injured.

Nadal's return a few weeks ahead of the French Open raises hopes the Spaniard will be able to compete in Paris, where he is a record 14-time winner.

His clash with Cobolli on Catalan clay is his first on the surface since his 2022 victory at Roland Garros.

Playing on the centre court named in his honour, Nadal said Monday that making his return in Barcelona was a "gift" and that he wanted to enjoy what he expects will be his final year as a professional.

"On a personal level it is a gift for me to be in Barcelona," said Nadal.

"I'm taking this as my last year and I want to enjoy every moment."

Later Nadal said he had not set a date for the end of his career.

"We'll keep going forward until I have the feeling that it's not worth it," Nadal added.

"I'm not putting a deadline on that, but as I've said, in the end life marks your path for you."

Ch.McDonald--EWJ

Featured

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Virginia overwhelms Arkansas 91-72 behind balanced scoring

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thijs De Ridder scored 16 points, one of five players in double figures for No. 9 Virginia as the Cavaliers routed No.

Change text size: