Spaniard Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam singles champion, has been affected by accidents lately.
After pulling out of final 12 months’s French Open he stated he deliberate to retire after the 2024 season however on his return in Brisbane recommended he could proceed if match.
His match in opposition to Italian 21-year-old Flavio Cobolli on Tuesday in Barcelona, the place he has gained the title a report 12 instances, shall be his first on clay since profitable the ultimate of the 2022 French Open.
His return this week does increase hope of him competing subsequent month at Roland Garros, the place he has gained 14 of his main titles.
“It means rather a lot to me to have the ability to play yet one more time right here in Barcelona, a spot that I’ve superb success and a number of unforgettable reminiscences,” he stated.
“So, I’m simply attempting to get pleasure from each second and I’m enthusiastic about being on court docket in an expert match once more, particularly right here at house.
“I used to be not in a position to spend so much of days on tour over the past two years, so I simply wish to get pleasure from every single day I’m able to play with the fellows on an expert stage. Which means rather a lot for me.”
Elsewhere within the draw Britain’s Dan Evans was crushed 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 by American 22-year-old Brandon Nakashima.
However British quantity two Jack Draper, ranked three locations above Evans, beat Czech world quantity 119 Vit Kopriva within the first spherical of the Bavarian Worldwide in Munich.