Rafael Nadal made a winning return to action yesterday, as he brushed aside Flavio Cobolli in straight sets to record his 475th ATP win on clay, and his first in 681 days.
It has been a long and arduous road to recovery for the 37-year-old, who has kept the world waiting as he suffered setback after setback.
But he showed little signs of fatigue in his first tournament since playing in Brisbane at the start of the year, dominating his young opponent and finishing it off inside 87 minutes.
However, despite such an emphatic showing, he remains coy on his chances of winning the title, with Alex De Minaur up next. The Aussie has even garnered praise from Jannik Sinner for his form this year.
Rafael Nadal ridicules Barcelona Open rumours
Speaking in his press conference after his emphatic comeback win just yesterday, the legendary Spaniard spoke about a whole host of things in front of an adoring audience desperate to get their moment to speak to him.
After all, there have been some rather loud suggestions that this could be his final year on tour, with Nadal having essentially confirmed that by claiming he expects this to be his last Barcelona Open.
Regardless, fans must enjoy him whilst he is still here, and should he keep fit there is every chance that the 22-time Grand Slam champion might start to dominate the clay court swing of the tour as he has done so often over the years.
However, when posed with one question just yesterday, he ridiculed one notion which has emerged of late regarding this tournament.
He claimed: ‘It’s stupid to think that I’m the favourite this week. Everyone knows that I am no longer a favourite to win a tournament, but there is a story behind it that matters. Maybe in today’s game it was, I don’t know, but not tomorrow.’
It is truly a joy to see Rafael Nadal back from injury
What Cobolli looked at the draw on Saturday the 13th of April, he must have thought he’d seen a ghost.
Rafael Nadal? In the first round? How unlucky can a 21-year-old with just 15 tour wins to his name get?
But, in reality, there is not a player on tour who would relish facing the veteran superstar, regardless of his fitness levels.
So, the young Italian simply had to enjoy the experience and bask in the presence of one of the greatest players our sport has ever seen.
And he certainly put on a show.
Although his serving somewhat struggled, likely due to the huge alterations he has been forced to make because of his hip and abdominal injuries, everything other asset seemed to be in place, albeit a little rusty.
But seeing him crank that patented left-handed forehand to leave his opponent scrambling was a sight to behold, made even more legendary given it was performed on a court named after himself.
That is another level of legacy that we will seldom see again, and for now, whilst Nadal seems to be back fit and featuring again, we simply have to enjoy him.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
