Rafael Nadal’s Barcelona Open comeback ended by Alex de Minaur

Rafael Nadal’s injury comeback at the Barcelona Open came to an end as he was defeated by Alex de Minaur in round two, potentially marking his final appearance at the tournament.

Nadal, 37, had made a triumphant return to the court after a three-month absence, easily dispatching Flavio Cobolli in straight sets. However, his hopes were dashed in the next round as he fell to a 7-5 6-1 defeat against world number 11 De Minaur.

The 22-time major winner has been plagued by injuries, only playing five matches since January 2023 due to hip and abdominal issues. Nadal, currently ranked 644th, has hinted at retirement in 2024 if he is unable to compete regularly.

Despite the loss, Nadal remains optimistic about his chances at the upcoming French Open, where he has a record 14 men’s singles titles. He emphasized the importance of preserving his energy for the prestigious tournament during his match against De Minaur.

The Australian player utilized drop shots early in the match to test Nadal’s movement, gaining an early advantage and ultimately securing a convincing victory in the second set. Nadal’s endurance was put to the test after his extended absence from competition, and De Minaur capitalized on his opponent’s rustiness to claim the win.

As Nadal left the court to a standing ovation, it may have been a poignant moment for the tennis legend, hinting at a possible farewell to the Barcelona Open. Meanwhile, British player Jack Draper continued his impressive run at the BMW Open in Munich, reaching the quarter-finals after a hard-fought victory over Rudolf Molleker.