Rafael Nadal makes winning return in Barcelona as French Open looms [Video]

Rafael Nadal secured victory on his ATP Tour return, beating Flavio Cobolli as he aims to put injury issues behind him before the French Open begins.

The 37-year-old faced the world No.62 in the opening round of the Barcelona Open on Tuesday, conjuring up a 6-2 6-3 win in his first clay match since June 2022.

Nadal was playing his first professional match since the Brisbane International in January with injury problems ruling him out of the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne.

The 22-time major champion tried to return in Qatar, California and Monte-Carlo respectively but his body was not ready and he was forced to wait until April.

Nadal, who has admitted that 2024 is likely to be his final year in tennis before retirement, is now back as he looks to play Roland-Garros for the very last time.

The Spaniard is the most successful playerin French Open history – registering an incredible 14 men’s singles …