Nadal returns from injury with a win at the Barcelona Open

Former tennis world number 1 Rafael Nadal made a winning start at the Barcelona Open after returning from another long-term injury in what could be his final year before retirement.

Nadal won 6-2 and 6-3 against inexperienced Italian Flavio Cobolli in their first-round match yesterday.

Now ranked 644th, Nadal was playing for the first time since January because of a hip injury and abdominal issues.

Nadal has indicated that 2024 is likely to be his last as a professional player.

But, before making his latest comeback in Barcelona, Nadal said he was not putting a deadline on his retirement and would only keep playing as long as he felt it was worth it.

He says he is just having fun and happy to start with a victory

Nadal adds he is going through some tough moments but at the same time when he can be on tour and compete a little bit, it means a lot.

Nadal will face Australian world number 11 Alex de Minaur in his next match.

 Source: BBC Sports