Nadal will face Cobolli in Barcelona

After the draw, Spaniard Rafael Nadal will face Flavio Cobolli at the Barcelona Open, the Spaniard’s first appearance on clay this year as part of his preparation for the French Open.

The winner of 22 Grand Slam titles underwent hip surgery last summer and has had only three competitive matches this year — in Brisbane before skipping the Australian Open.

Nadal, 37, withdrew from the Monte Carlo Masters before the start of the tournament due to his persistent injury, saying “my body just won’t allow it.”

The Spaniard, who has won the Barcelona tournament 12 times, has not confirmed whether he will play, but spoke at the draw ceremony ahead of next week’s first round and said “I am happy to be here” but did not commit. to play.

At the beginning of March, Nadal played an exhibition match once morest his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas, but days later he announced that he would not play the Indian Wells tournament.

The French Open, which Nadal has won a record 14 times, begins May 25.—AP