Rafael Nadal handed tough route to begin Indian Wells return with blockbuster opening round ahead

Rafael Nadal will make his first competitive appearance in two months when he begins his Indian Wells campaign, but the Spaniard has been handed a tough first round draw. Nadal will face former Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic, who has had his own injury struggles in recent times.

Nadal does have a very good record against the former World No. 3, winning seven of their nine matches, but this will be their first meeting since 2019.

Nadal is a three-time winner of Indian Wells and made the final on his last appearance at the ATP 1000 event in 2022. The winner of Nadal and Raonic will play Holger Rune in the second round.

The 37-year-old has suggested 2024 will be his final year as a professional, but admits that he is still to make a definitive decision. He took part in 'The Netflix Slam' against Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, which he lost in a 10-point tiebreak.