Rafael Nadal wins in straight sets at Barcelona Open on injury return

It was intriguing to see what form Nadal can be in in opposition to 62nd-ranked Cobolli, who has solely performed in the principle draw of a Grand Slam twice.

A document 12-time champion in Barcelona, Nadal was taking part in his first clay-court match in 681 days – when he received the 2022 French Open last.

There was an air of anticipation as a packed crowd awaited Nadal’s arrival on the court docket which is called in his honour,, exterior with the gangways on his stroll out filled with ball children and match workers ready for a glimpse.

A near-standing ovation and big roar greeted Nadal, whereas the acquainted pre-match foibles – aligning his water bottles, field jumps on the web and zigzagged dash to the baseline – have been additionally lapped up.

It was much less sure whether or not the shot-making and athleticism which they’ve change into accustomed to seeing from Nadal would additionally return.

Doubts had been raised in regards to the affect of the belly harm on his serve and, though it appeared he wasn’t serving at full tilt, he confirmed few points.

There was, understandably, some early rust in his groundstrokes earlier than Nadal shortly discovered fluency from each forehand and backhand wings.

With Cobolli trying barely overawed and displaying uncertainty in his photographs, Nadal cemented an early break for a 4-1 lead and wrapped up the opening set in 43 minutes.

Whipping a trademark forehand winner down the road within the second recreation of the second set illustrated his rising confidence.

Nadal edged a run of three straight breaks and noticed out victory by taking his second match level, displaying his delight with trademark underarm fist pump.