By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday April 15, 2024
Rafael Nadal won’t be underneath any illusions when he takes the court docket on Tuesday at Barcelona to play his first match on clay since 2022. The King of Clay is low on expectations however excessive on appreciation – it means lots for him to return to the clay in a particular place like Barcelona, the place he has gained a file 12 titles.
“Relatively than regretting the locations I haven’t been in a position to play, I’m completely happy to be right here,” he mentioned in keeping with the ATP web site. “On a private stage, to me being in Barcelona is a present.
Tuesday April 16 Barcelona
Rafael Nadal again on an ATP Tour schedule
Again on the court docket that bears his title pic.twitter.com/inmYpVRkKd
— Christopher Clarey 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 (@christophclarey) April 15, 2024
“I’m treating it as my final yr, I need to get pleasure from each second. That makes the whole lot a bit extra particular. At the moment that’s how I really feel. It harm not with the ability to be in Monte-Carlo final week however, fortunately, issues have improved this week. I really feel able to exit and play tomorrow.”
Nadal, who will face Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in Tuesday’s remaining match in Barcelona, says he made the late determination to return to Barcelona as a result of he had a constructive week on the observe courts and he feels able to benefit from the chance to play on his beloved clay, on house soil.
“With out pondering any extra about it, about my readiness. I’m conscious of what the state of affairs is,” he mentioned. “Issues can occur, I’m solely simply prepared. However I’m life like and, to me, merely being right here is thrilling and with the ability to play this match and on this court docket makes me completely happy.”