While anything is possible in athletics, it looks like tennis fanatics are doubting the 12-time champion, Rafael Nadal. A big crowd awaited Nadal’s appearance on the center court ‘Pista Rafa Nadal,’ named in his honor—for his first clay-court match since winning the 2022 French Open championship, 681 days back.

Nadal’s comfortable first win in the competition due to his expertise on Barcelona courts, wherein a sense of familiarity envelops him. However, Alex de Minaur quickly turned the tide in his favor in the second game, making it a sour ending for Nadal. Former alpine skier Lindsey Vonn, an avid follower of the sport, joined the fans in mass disappointment over Nadal’s finish.

Lindsey Vonn yet to come to terms with Rafael Nadal’s Barcelona swansong

Nadal’s Barcelona Open experience this year wasn’t a dream come true as he could only play in two matches. Many argued that his abdominal injury affected his serve, and while he didn’t seem to be serving at his best, he did not look to be having many problems. After all, the game continued, prompting spectators like Lindsey Vonn to react to a social media post by @atptour of an overwhelmed Rafael Nadal accompanied by the caption, “Barcelona rises for Rafa Nadal.” Lindsey Vonn left an emotional comment on the reel, sharing the same on her Instagram story that read, “Can’t Handle This.”

Rafael Nadal and Lindsey Vonn’s camaraderie goes back to the time when they won the Laureus Sports Awards in 2011. Nadal took home the sportsman of the year title, while Vonn took home the sportswoman’s honor. The pair displayed their friendship throughout the ceremony. Rafael Nadal defeated fierce opposition that included soccer greats Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta, as well as basketball legend Kobe Bryant. Meanwhile, Vonn earned her spot alongside prestigious nominees like Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters. Their combined success not only emphasizes their individual feats but also their mutual regard and support among athletes.

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Nadal had stated before the ATP 500 event that this was probably his last visit to Barcelona, and once again he did so after the loss to 25-year-old Alex de Minaur. Speaking to the press after the match, Nadal said, “I have played this tournament as if it were my last Godó, although you never know what the future holds for you. Life is showing you the path and, in my case, life is showing the path for me in a quite clear way.”

Currently ranked at 644th, Nadal was back in action for the first time since January due to a hip injury and abdominal issues. Now, the question arises, is it really wise to form an opinion based on Nadal’s words since he has no idea what the future might hold for him? Another classic ploy by any great athlete when the retirement topic surfaces. However, he could consider winning in the future if he participates in enough games to be certain of his fitness. How did the bittersweet match look for him, though?

The initial straight-set win at 2024 Barcelona Open

Rafael Nadal enjoyed a victorious start at the Barcelona Open beating 62nd-ranked Cobolli, who only appeared in the main draw of a Grand Slam twice. Nadal advanced progressively, defeating Flavio Cobolli 6-2, 6-3. Naturally, Nadal’s groundstrokes were a little rusty at first, but he soon developed fluidity from both his forehand and backhand wings.

After trailing 0-30 after a double fault, Nadal won four straight games and settled into the match much more comfortably after that. Interestingly, as he got closer to bidding adieu to Barcelona, Nadal might look to retire and seek greener pastures coaching, probably? Time will tell.