Rafael Nadal was drawn to face Flavio Cobolli at the Barcelona Open in what would be the Spaniard’s first clay-court appearance this year in the buildup to the French Open.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion had hip surgery last summer and this year has played only three competitive matches — in Brisbane before skipping the Australian Open.
The 37-year-old Nadal pulled out of the Monte Carlo Masters before it started because of a lingering injury, saying “ my body simply won’t allow me.”
Nadal, a 12-time champion in Barcelona, has not confirmed he will play but he spoke at the draw ceremony ahead of the first round next week. He said, “I’m happy to be here,” but didn’t commit to playing.
In early March, Nadal played an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas but days later pulled out of the Indian Wells tournament.
The French Open, which Nadal has won a record 14 times, begins May 25.
AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
Adams, Reyna, Turner, Ream are US concerns ahead of Copa America
Top court: Resolving international disputes key
China, Angola elevate bilateral ties
Xi holds talks with Angolan president
Insider Q&A: CIA's chief technologist's cautious embrace of generative AI
Weaponization of human rights slammed
Foreign Ministry helped thousands of overseas Chinese, Wang says
World reporters gain insights at two sessions
Yu Darvish extends scoreless innings streak to 25 in Padres' 9
Minister pledges to improve security of State benefits
'The Apprentice,' about a young Donald Trump, premieres in Cannes
China reprimands U.S. for economic bullying over semiconductor restrictions