Rafael Nadal further pushes comeback date following withdrawal from Barcelona Open

Rafael Nadal wishes tournament director David Ferrer for a successful Barcelona Open tournament this season.

Rafael Nadal further pushes comeback date following withdrawal from Barcelona Open

Rafael Nadal after losing in the Australian Open 2023 (Image Credit: SkySports)

The clouds over the return of Rafael Nadal on the tour are getting darker with each concluding day. Earlier reports had come in that the Spaniard may not be able to play in the Barcelona Open 2023.

David Ferrer, the tournament director of the Barcelona Open, was optimistic that the 22-time Grand Slam champion would be able to recover in time to play in this ATP 500 event. Since his hip injury resurfaced against Mackenzie McDonald in the second round of the Australian Open 2023, which led Rafael Nadal to lose the match, he has not played in a single match on the tour.

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He missed the Sunshine Doubles and the Monte-Carlo Masters tournament and looks like now his participation in the Barcelona Open is also in jeopardy. The Spaniard shared an ambiguous statement on social media. He also sent his wishes to David Ferrer for the success of the tournament.

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“Barcelona is a special tournament for me, because it is my adopted club and because playing at home is always a unique sensation. I am still not ready and, therefore, I continue my preparation process for the return to competition. Good luck to my friend David Ferrer and his entire team for this edition of Godó, which will surely be a success at all levels,” the caption read in English (Translated through Google Translate).

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Will Rafael Nadal return to the court this year?

Rafael Nadal bidding adieu to Australian Open crowd (Image Credit: ATP Tour)
Rafael Nadal bidding adieu to Australian Open crowd (Image Credit: ATP Tour)

Rafael Nadal is one of the most popular tennis superstars in the world. The original member of The Big Three, he, with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, is revered by fans, media, critics, and legends alike. Many consider him to be the greatest tennis player of all time.

However, his injury concerns are beginning to worry both his fans and the media. His hip injury during the Australian Open had pushed him out of contention for the subsequent hard-court events. But there was hope that the ‘King of Clay’ will return when the clay swing of the season will begin. But now many doubt whether he will be able to even return to the tennis tournaments this season.

There seems to be no escape from the fact that his injuries are serious and if his age is to be considered then, it looks improbable that he can make the breakthrough. There are rumors that he can even take the route of Roger Federer and announce his retirement soon. However, one thing that tennis fans know about the 14-time French Open champion is that one must never discount Rafael Nadal.

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