Rafael Nadal hopes to play Barcelona Open but gives fans important caveat after recent withdrawals

Spain’s legendary tennis star Rafael Nadal is eyeing a return to the court in an ATP event in Barcelona. The Barcelona Open will be played from 15 to 21 April. Nadal — who is often regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category, having won as many as 22 Grand Slam titles — returned to action earlier this year after spending most of the time on the sidelines because of a knee injury.

However, the return did not last long as Nadal ended up playing in just one event — Brisbane International — after which he was ruled out of the Australian Open, Indian Wells, Miami Open and the ongoing Monte-Carlo Masters as well. Nadal, in a post on social media recently, stated that he has started training with a desire to play but refused to commit a potential date of return. "First training ... with the hope of being here these days before the start of the tournament," he wrote. "I'm here to see how it goes ... with the desire to try to play. Important to say that I don't want to confirm that I will play, hopefully I will."

Nadal, earlier in 2023 after having to go through a knee procedure, announced that 2024 would be his last season at the highest level. The 37-year-old is regarded as the ‘King of Clay’ after having won 14 out of his 22 Grand Slam titles while playing at the Roland Garros.