Tennis: Rafael Nadal eliminated in the second round of the tournament in Barcelona

Abort return. On home ground, at the tournament in Barcelona, ​​which he won 12 times, Rafael Nadal was eliminated in the second round by Alex De Minaur (7-5, 6-1). After an easy win against Flavi Cobolli in the first round (6-2, 6-3), he lost for his first real test against a member of the world elite (11th). The Major has not appeared in competition since the tournament in Brisbane in early January and has not played on clay since his 14th crown at Roland-Garros in 2022.

Very delicate on his serves, which almost never exceeded 170 km/h, Rafael Nadal seemed rather borrowed against a very regular opponent and on the momentum of his quarter-final in Monte-Carlo. Struggling with drop shots, which his opponent used in abundance, the “Taurus of Manacor” was often fired (42 unforced errors) in the long rallies the Australian imposed, despite some flashy forehands that were always impressive.

“I played this tournament like it was lastRafael Nadal confided in the press conference after the defeat. My feelings on the field were good. (…) The main thing is not to win, but to leave the tournament healthy. After losing the first set, the match is over. (…) There will be Madrid (from April 24), where we hope to be a little better prepared. Right now it’s hard for me to be competitive in a 2-3 hour match.”

During his first failed comeback in January, “Rafa” played just three games in Brisbane before retiring Australian Open, on the American tour then yes Monte Carlo for repeated pain. He is now hoping to play in the Masters 1000 in Madrid next week to prepare for Roland-Garros, the main focus of what could be his final professional season. Arthur Fils (36th) or Daniel Altmaier (66th) awaits Alex De Minaur in the next round.