World no. 3 Rafael Nadal arrived in Monte Carlo on Thursday, preparing for the season's second Masters 1000 event and his second tournament of 2021 after the Australian Open.
The 20-time Major champion dropped out from the top-2 a couple of weeks ago for the first time since 2017, playing only one tournament so far this season due to a back injury that is finally behind him. Rafa hurt his back during the Adelaide quarantine in January, heading to Melbourne with many concerns and skipping the ATP Cup ahead of the Australian Open.
The Spaniard made a strong start at the season's first Major, winning four matches in straight sets to preserve energy and advance into the quarters. Nadal looked good to sail into the semis, opening two sets to love advantage against Stefanos Tsitsipas before falling in five thrilling sets to end his journey. Rafa had to skip Rotterdam and Miami to rest his back, starting with preparations for the clay swing at his Academy and heading to Monte Carlo for his comeback event.
Since 2003, Rafa has won 71 out of 76 Monte Carlo encounters, lifting 11 titles and dominating like no one before him at any Open era event. Since 2005, Nadal claimed eight consecutive Monte Carlo titles and added three more between 2016-18. Two years ago, Rafa lost to Fabio Fognini in the semis, playing one of his worst matches on clay in a career.
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