Nadal returns to action in Barcelona

Rafael Nadal, a 12-time champion of the Barcelona Open, is set to make his return to competitive tennis next week after being sidelined since the Australian Open due to a hip injury. The 22-time Grand Slam winner expressed his joy at being back in Barcelona, a place that has brought him immense happiness. Nadal will face Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in the opening round, with a potential semi-final clash against the top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz on the cards. Nadal’s comeback is seen as crucial as he builds towards defending his French Open title. (photo:facebook)