It won’t be too long before Rafael Nadal once again becomes the boss of red dirt. But before the clay season begins, good news has arrived for fans from the Barcelona Open.

Firstly, the participation of the 20-time Grand Slam champion has already added more volume to the event. In fact, tournament director and retired tennis player David Ferrer laid emphasis on the Spaniard’s importance to Barcelona.

Now, the ATP 500 tournament has announced that it will host limited fans this year, which is great news for clay fans in the Spanish city.

1100: Roger Federer Again Proves His Unprecedented Longevity on the Tennis Tour

Fans can watch Rafael Nadal from the stands in Barcelona

From 2005 to 2020, Rafael Nadal has won the Barcelona Open a record 11 times. Moreover, only three players other than him have claimed the Catalonian title in those years.

Additionally, the defending champion, Dominic Thiem, has opted to play in the Serbian Open this year. Thus, the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona stadium will not see a defender for its 68th edition.

Trending

Carlos Alcaraz Injury: Mutua Madrid Open Plans Delayed Further as the Spaniard’s Title Defense Gets Trickier

April 20, 2024 09:00 PM EDT

‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff

April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT

Laureus Awards 2024: How and Where Can Fans Watch the Likes of Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff, and Others Gracing the Event

April 22, 2024 05:54 AM EDT

After Alexander Zverev’s Outburst, Tennis Fans Bash ‘Unplayable’ Munich Conditions as Felix Auger-Aliassime Turns Second Victim

April 20, 2024 11:01 AM EDT

Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Girlfriend Paula Badosa Provides Saddening Health Update After Being Forced To Retire Against Aryna Sabalenka

April 19, 2024 03:58 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

However, the presence of fans will make the tournament even more special. The lucky few will get to watch the ‘King of Clay’ roaring on the clay court. The tournament is expected to be “a safe and exciting event.”

A matter of concern is that Rafa had been suffering from a back issue since the beginning of 2021. As a result, he did not participate in a single tournament except the Australian Open.

But recently, the 34-year-old showed his excitement for a season on his favorite surface. He revealed an extensive schedule that will conclude with his title-defense in Paris.

“Project Is Unstoppable”: Rafael Nadal Academy Collaborates With La Liga for a Great Cause

Which tournaments will Nadal play on clay this year?

Rafael Nadal will resume his 2021 season at the Monte-Carlo Masters 1000. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic and World No. 3 Dominic Thiem will join the Spaniard in Monaco. However, all three players have withdrawn from the ongoing Miami Masters 1000.

Moving forward, Rafa will extend his clay season to Barcelona, Madrid, and Rome and conclude it at the French Open. He will be eyeing to get ahead of Roger Federer and claim his 21st Grand Slam at Roland-Garros.

However, he has a series of tournaments to look forward to before that. Do you think Nadal will claim yet another historic win in Barcelona this year?

WATCH: Novak Djokovic Begins Preparation for Clay Court Swing After Miami Open 2021 Withdrawal