Rafael Nadal Back On Clay For First Time Since 2022 French Open Title

Fingers crossed but Rafael Nadal is expected back this week in Barcelona, an event he’s won 12 times.

Nadal has played just one event in the last 14 months — Brisbane in January when he injured a different area of his hip. He was scheduled to return at the March Masters events but withdrew, then pulled out of Monte Carlo.

Hopes are he’ll be OK this week.

“Excited to be here for a few days before the start of the tournament. I’m here to see how it goes,” Nadal told the ATP earlier in the week. “Can’t wait to try and play. I’ll let you know. Important to say that I don’t want to confirm I’ll be playing, but I hope so. We’ll see.”

In the 64 draw, Nadal does not have a bye or even a seed! The 37-year-old will open against Flavio Cobolli and if he wins he’ll take on Alex de Minaur.

Incredibly, Nadal hasn’t played a match on clay since winning his 14th French Open in 2022!