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Rafael Nadal recently pulled out of the Monte-Carlo Masters.
By Yasmin Syed
Rafael Nadal is hoping to return next week (Image: Getty)
Rafael Nadal is eyeing a new comeback tournament after being forced to pull out of the Monte-Carlo Masters. The Spaniard has not played an official match since getting injured in January. But he is now set to travel to his next tournament on Wednesday as he bids to make a return on the clay.
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Nadal’s comeback was derailed when he picked up a micro muscle tear during his Brisbane quarter-final at the beginning of the year. Since then, he has withdrawn from the Australian Open, the Qatar Open, Indian Wells and the Monte-Carlo Masters.
The 37-year-old said his body wouldn’t “allow” him to compete in Monte Carlo this week even though he continued training in the hopes that he could play other tournaments on the clay, his most successful surface. And Nadal could now be back in action as early as next week as his travel plans have been revealed.
According to SER Deportivos, the 22-time Grand Slam champion will head to Barcelona on Wednesday ahead of the ATP 500 event taking place from April 15 to 21, where he is hopeful that he can make his return.
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Rafael Nadal picked up a micro muscle tear when he returned in Brisbane (Image: Getty)
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So far, Nadal’s abdominal issues have prevented him from playing. The 37-year-old is said to be struggling mostly with his serving as a result. He recently told Movistar: “I keep trying, but it is true that the situation is complicated.
“I go day by day, I don't rule out anything, I don't rule out being in Barcelona next week or being in Madrid.” Nadal has not competed in a clay-court tournament since winning a record-extending 14th title at the French Open in 2022.
His last appearance at the Barcelona Open came three years ago when he lifted the trophy, saving a match point to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in the tournament’s longest final. The Spaniard missed Barcelona and the entire clay swing last year after picking up a left psoas injury at the Australian Open.
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Rafael Nadal has not played in Barcelona since winning the tournament in 2021 (Image: Getty)
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He tried to return on the clay but eventually gave up on his plans, ending his 2023 season and undergoing surgery. He also skipped both Monte Carlo and Barcelona in 2022 after sustaining a rib injury in Indian Wells.
It will be extra special if Nadal gets to return at the Barcelona Open as the tournament’s main court is named after him and he has won the title 12 times.
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Rafael Nadal
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