Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Ain’t no rest for the champion as Rafael Nadal jumps back into practice hours after tasting his first win on clay this season

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Laxman Naren | Last updated 4/17/24

Spanish tennis pro Rafael Nadal made a triumphant return to the sport on Tuesday after nearly two years away due to recurring injuries. He showed no signs of rust and impressed his fans by picking up right where he left off.

Up against Flavio Cobolli in the first round of the Barcelona Open, it was a good matchup for the 12-time tournament winner. Despite not having played much tennis, except for a couple of matches at the start of the year, Nadal played exceptionally well and put his opponent under pressure right from the start.

In one hour and 28 minutes, Nadal won his first match on return. Despite a slow start, Nadal quickly gained momentum and went on to win the sets decisively.

Delighted with the win, Nadal thanked the crowd for being extremely warm and welcoming. It was a full house even before the match started so the people could watch him walk on the court.

Hours after securing his first win upon returning, the 37-year-old was already back in the gym, preparing for his next practice session. He shared his practice snippet via Instagram. Understanding the significance of recovery along with training, Nadal is dedicating ample time to both aspects, considering his age.

Rafael Nadal grateful for the crowd’s support as he gears up for a second round clash against Alex de Minaur

After his small stint ahead of the 2024 Australian Open, the Spaniard has now made his way onto the clay courts. Known as the King Of Clay, Rafael Nadal had a lot of expectations on him for a wonderful return. After being forced to withdraw from the Monte Carlo Masters, the Spaniard made his return at the Barcelona Open, where he has won a record 12 time.

Starting well, he beat his Italian opponent in straight sets (6-2, 6-3) and advanced one step closer to yet another historic run in Barcelona. After the match, the Spaniard thanked the crowd for their support.

The crowd was great. A full crowd since the beginning. Even before the match started, the court was full, so that means a lot to me to be able to walk on court today and feel that warmth and that support. In a very special place for me, it’s so helpful and means a lot to me to receive that support and that love. Rafael Nadal in the post-match interview

With that, Nadal made his place in the second round and will face Australian ace Alex de Minaur. With Carlos Alcaraz having pulled out from the tournament, and Andrey Rublev being knocked out in the first round, it leaves Nadal and de Minaur in the spotlight to do well.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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