BARCELONA/STARNBERG, April 16, 2024

Rafael Nadal has returned to the court in style. The Spanish tennis legend marked his comeback with a first-round victory on Tuesday at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell. In a commanding performance and in front of a packed crowd at the Real Club de Tennis Barcelona 1899, the 12-time champion defeated Italian Flavio Cobolli 6-2, 6-3 after one hour and 25 minutes.

Nadal won 78 per cent of his first-service points and broke his rival four times.

As if he never left…😍@RafaelNadal returns to winning ways as he defeats Cobolli 6-2 6-3 in Barcelona@bcnopenbs #BCNOpenBS pic.twitter.com/xVmeXEYXm8

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 16, 2024

Nadal, aged 37, is participating in only his second tournament of the year, his first since January when he reached the quarterfinals of the ATP 250 event in Brisbane, Australia.

“Every time it is more difficult and especially when you are at an advanced age, it makes things even tougher,” Nadal said of his return, quoted by the ATP Tour website. “I’m going through tough moments but at the same time, when I’m able to be on Tour for a few days and practise with the guys and then be able to compete a little bit, it means a lot to me. Still enjoyable enough to keep going. I’m happy to start with a victory without a doubt.”

Up next for Nadal will be fourth-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur.