Rafael Nadal has had very little time to rest following his emphatic return from injury, as he prepares to play again in the Barcelona Open.
Having made his long-awaited return to clay after a two-year absence from the surface, we had the pleasure of watching him roar back to form against his 21-year-old opponent Flavio Cobolli.
The young Italian stood little chance, but now the King of Clay will truly have his fitness tested as he gears up to face Alex De Minaur in the Round of 32.
It promises to be an enthralling encounter between two physical specimens, and will mark a fine gauge of just how far away from his best the 37-year-old might be.
Rafael Nadal previews Barcelona Open match with Alex De Minaur
Speaking to the press just yesterday after claiming that important victory over Cobolli, Nadal sought to preview that match with the 25-year-old Rotterdam Open finalist.
However, the manner in which he did so also saw him assess his own game, suggesting that his healthy return to form has afforded him some newfound faith in one key asset he has always boasted, but has perhaps not been allowed to flaunt over the last two injury-ravaged years.
Well, he will certainly get that opportunity later today, as he noted: ‘I leave the match with a slight confidence that I can be competitive, although my opponent has made many mistakes. I have given a logical level, it did not surprise me. Tomorrow a top player awaits me, I will need more’.
This came just after Nadal suggested it would be ‘stupid’ to assume one thing about him for this Barcelona Open.
Rafael Nadal has every reason to feel confident if he can avoid injury
If he should avoid injury, and slowly start building his fitness back up to the incomparable levels he once reached, there is no reason why Nadal can’t start dreaming of winning the big titles yet again.
After all, the quality is there for all to see. That much is abundantly clear.
And given he returns during the start of the clay court swing of the tour, he will arguably get no easier path to reintegrate himself back onto the tour, on the surface with which he has become synonymous.
With a thunderous left-handed forehand and the physicality to seemingly return any and every shot, some have described facing Nadal on clay as a near-impossible task.
Well, it will be particularly interesting to see whether that fear factor remains given he is still just building up his fitness, and if the ageing legend can now assert his dominance over one of the world’s best players.
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