Rafael Nadal Set for Barcelona Open Return against Flavio Cobolli
Nadal Eager to Start Clay-Court Season at Familiar Hunting Ground
12-Time Barcelona Champion Ready for First-Round Clash
Rafael Nadal will make his long-awaited return to the tennis court at next week's Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell. The 12-time champion will face Italian qualifier Flavio Cobolli in the first round of the ATP 500 event.
Nadal has not played a competitive match since losing to Mackenzie McDonald in the second round of the Australian Open in January. He withdrew from the Indian Wells Masters and Monte Carlo Masters due to a hip injury.
"I want to enjoy every day I can play," Nadal said in a press conference on Wednesday. "I have been practicing well, and I am excited to be back on the court."
Nadal is a dominant force on clay, having won 14 French Open titles and 12 Barcelona Open titles. He will be looking to add to his tally at the Barcelona Open, which he has won every year since 2005 except for 2009 and 2016.
Cobolli, ranked 155th in the world, will be a tricky first-round opponent for Nadal. The 21-year-old Italian has won two Challenger titles this year and reached the third round of the Australian Open.
The Barcelona Open will be Nadal's first tournament on clay since winning the Roland Garros title last year. He will be hoping to use the tournament to fine-tune his game ahead of the French Open, which starts on May 28th.
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