Surprising the tennis fraternity, Spanish legend Rafael Nadal bagged another victory this season at the ongoing Barcelona Open. While this victory charged up the Spaniard, he seems to be focused on something crucial at this stage of his life that demands him to be pragmatic about his tennis career.

Rafael Nadal underwent arthroscopic surgery last year, which brought a lot of setbacks in his career. He was missing from action for almost the entirety of the tennis season last year since picking up an injury at AO 2023. After that, this Spaniard made a comeback this year at the Brisbane International. Despite winning two matches, Nadal suffered another hip injury in the quarterfinals against Jordan Thompson in the tournament. Nadal felt that he was “not ready to compete at the maximum level“. Making yet another return just in time for the clay season with his first-round victory at the Barcelona Open, Nadal shed light on what he prioritizes the most now.

Nadal decides not to “cross lines that could be dangerous” after bagging another win at Barcelona Open

After defeating Flavio Cobolli at the Barcelona Open, Nadal surprised his fans by revealing his recent ambitions. However, more than winning titles, this Spanish tennis legend has decided to prioritize on his health. Nadal said- “For me, the most important thing is that nothing happens to me. Maybe this is not the week where I can do everything my heart tells me. The fact of playing makes me very happy, and having won today, It allows me to play again tomorrow. I will try not to cross lines that could be dangerous.”

After dealing with so many setbacks due to his past injuries, he doesn’t want to over-exert himself physically. This season he could only play the Brisbane International in January. After that, he didn’t participate in the Indian Wells or Miami Open tournaments as he didn’t feel completely fit.

Trending

Madrid Open 2024: Coco Gauff vs Madison Keys; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

April 29, 2024 07:03 AM EDT

Coco Gauff Drops Adorable Wish to Celebrate Boyfriend’s Birthday Amid Hectic Madrid Open Stint

April 27, 2024 03:00 PM EDT

‘Why Are You So Stressed Out?’- Roger Federer’s Wife Mirka Turned Huge Inspiration for Zendaya’s ‘Challengers’, Confesses Script-Writer

April 28, 2024 03:49 PM EDT

Madrid Open: Coco Gauff’s Glaring Weakness Exposed Once Again as Tennis Fans Scoff at Her Abrupt Loss in Momentum

April 27, 2024 10:40 PM EDT

Madrid Open: Tennis Fans Caught Aryna Sabalenka’s New Boyfriend. Here’s Everything You Need to Know about This Brazilian Businessman

April 27, 2024 11:09 AM EDT

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

Follow Us

Nadal’s epic victory against Cobolli marks his first clay court win after his French Open participation in 2022. Not to mention, this victory changed Nadal’s perspectives about attending tours. He said- “From how I looked one week to today, there is an important change. I see myself as competitive, and that is the most important thing in sports, things change very quickly. My mind dreams of aspiring to much, but the reality today is different. ‘I have to be realistic.'”

Nevertheless, fans who were willing to witness Nadal’s return were thoroughly impressed by his Barcelona Open stunt.

 Rafael Nadal kickstarts clay court season by winning first round of the ongoing Barcelona Open

Barcelona Open marks Nadal’s second tournament this season after the Brisbane Open. He sustained a hip injury in Brisbane which shattered his dreams of attending the Australian Open and the Indian Wells. However, this Spanish tennis maestro finally returned to his favorite stomping ground, the clay courts, and made his fanbase happy with an epic victory. Nadal defeated the twenty-year-old Italian ATP star 6-2 and 6-3.

After winning, proud Nadal said– “I enjoyed some unforgettable moments here so now I’m just having fun and happy to start with a victory without a doubt, I’m going through some tough moments but at the same time when I am able to be on the tour for a few days able to play and practice with the guys and compete a little bit means a lot to me. It’s still enjoyable enough to keep doing it.”

Nadal prioritizing his health showcases his maturity to deal with the situation at present in a cold and calculative manner. With age and injuries catching up to him, how many more Grand Slams can Nadal notch up before calling it quits? Let us know in the comments section below.