Tennis Legend Nadal Bows Out of Barcelona Open After Injury Comeback Cut Short

Barcelona, April 20th – Rafael Nadal’s highly anticipated return to the court at the Barcelona Open was short-lived, as the 12-time champion suffered a defeat at the hands of rising Australian star Alex de Minaur. The former world number one, now ranked 644th, was unable to overcome the challenge posed by the world number 11, exiting the tournament in the second round.

Nadal, a 22-time major winner, had made his comeback on Tuesday, comfortably dispatching 21-year-old Italian Flavio Cobolli in straight sets. However, the Spaniard’s endurance was put to the test against the tenacious De Minaur, who utilized a smart game plan to secure a 7-5, 6-1 victory.

Despite Nadal’s early dominance, De Minaur’s effective use of drop shots and relentless pursuit of every point proved too much for the 37-year-old legend, who has been plagued by hip and abdominal injuries since the start of the year. The former French Open champion’s hopes of a successful return to the court were dashed, leaving him to ponder his future in the sport.

Nadal, who has indicated he plans to retire in 2024 if he cannot compete regularly, received a standing ovation and rapturous send-off as he left the court bearing his name, potentially for the final time at the Barcelona Open.

In other news, British men’s number two Jack Draper reached his 10th ATP Tour quarter-finals at the BMW Open in Munich, fighting back after a rain delay to earn a 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 win over German world number 179 Rudolf Molleker.

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