Rafael Nadal is back. And back in the winner’s circle.
Playing an official ATP event for the first time since the Brisbane International in January, Nadal defeated Flavio Cobolli 6-2, 6-3 in round one of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell on Tuesday evening. The 37-year-old Spaniard lost serve only once and broke Cobolli four times while advancing in one hour and 25 minutes.
Nadal served at well less than 100 percent (he finished with zero aces and three double-faults) but otherwise looked like the Nadal of old from the back of the court. He dominated baseline rallies with both power and consistency, coaxing Cobolli into 41 unforced errors.
The 12-time Barcelona champion will face Alex de Minaur in the second round on Wednesday. Nadal leads their head-to-head series 3-1.
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