Rafael Nadal Prepares for Barcelona Open Return After Injury Absence
Nadal to Face Cobolli in First Match Since January
14-Time French Open Champion to Play in First Tournament Since Australian Open
Rafael Nadal, the 12-time Barcelona Open champion, is preparing for his return to action at this week's tournament after missing almost the entire 2023 season due to injury.
The former World No. 1 has been drawn to face Italy's Flavio Cobolli in his first match since January, when he played doubles with Marc Lopez at the Australian Open.
Nadal has only been beaten by two players at the French Open, where he is a 14-time champion. One is Novak Djokovic, statistically the best male tennis player in history.
The excitement of playing in a tennis tournament again is building for Nadal, who is making his return at this week's Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell.
The exception to the rule is Rafael Nadal. At the French Open, where he is a 14-time champion, Nadal has only been beaten by two players. One is Djokovic, statistically the best male tennis player in history.
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