The Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas has had commendable momentum since the beginning of the clay court this season. After clinching his third Monte Carlo Masters title against Casper Ruud, he is now just 8 titles away from matching Rafael Nadal‘s (11) incredible record in Monte Carlo. However, it’s not going to be easy for the 25-year-old in Barcelona as the “Ultimate Challenge on Clay“, Rafa is all set to make his long-awaited ATP return with a match against Flavio Cobolli in Barcelona on Tuesday. What does Stefanos Tsitsipas say on Nadal’s comeback at the Barcelona Open?

Rafael Nadal has been out of action since January and he couldn’t have asked for a better stage for his comeback. A stage which has witnessed him lifting the title 12 times so far in his career. Will this year be the 13th? Well, Tsitsipas recently gave a post-match interview where he revealed Nadal as among the favorites to reach the final in the 2024 Barcelona Open. “Well, I would say that Rafa, regardless of whether he hasn’t played at all or if that’s his first tournament. We all know what Rafa is capable of. And how quickly he can adjust to one of his favorite surfaces, which is a clay court,” Tsitsipas.

He further went on to add, “I would not be surprised if we saw Rafa be in the finals of Barcelona. Because that is something that he has done over and over again for years and years and years.” Nadal has a 66-4 Win-Loss record in Barcelona. And 9 out of his 12 title triumphs over here have come without dropping a set. “What he does have is this competitiveness and this fierce tennis. When he gets into the momentum that sometimes feels like on the outside perspective like unstoppable,” Stefanos Tsitsipas added.

Tsitsipas then spoke about the challenge of facing Nadal on the court and how it’s different from watching him over a TV. He said that he always has to keep his six sensations active while facing Rafael Nadal. As he thinks, the 37-year-old Spaniard is the “Ultimate Challenge on Clay.”

The Spaniard may be at the later stage of his career but the Greek thinks one must not rule out his experience. He believes that Nadal certainly knows a way or two of winning points differently than others on clay courts. What Rafael Nadal has to say on his return?

“I’m happy to be here” – Rafael Nadal speaks on his return to Barcelona Open

The Spaniard was recently spotted attending the draw ceremony of the Barcelona Open. During the event, while asked to reflect on his comeback to one of his favorite venues, Nadal replied, “I’m happy to be here, of course. Barcelona is a place that has brought me a great deal of joy. And where I have spent periods of my life. [Real Club] Tenis Barcelona is my club, I’m really enjoying being here for a few days.”

He further added how much he is enjoying this tour in Barcelona after a long time – “Over the last two years, I’ve had very few days on tour, so spending days here, seeing people, being able to practice with players is a joy. I’m keen to carry on and to congratulate David [Ferrer] and the entire organization because they’re doing amazing work. The tournament has some incredible players and, as always, the organization is impeccable.”

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He heaped praise on the tournament organizers for their incredible work over the past few years. It’ll be now interesting to see how far can he go at this tournament when he steps onto the court next time after a long gap. What are your thoughts on Rafael Nadal’s comeback?

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