As Rafael Nadal makes his second appearance in a tournament this season, fellow Spanish star Paula Badosa gets goosebumps seeing her idol return to the court again. Nadal, who seems to have finally settled his score with injuries, played Italian Flavio Cobolli in the first round of the Barcelona Open.
For context, since Nadal played at the Brisbane International where he reached the quarterfinals, the Spanish legend seems to be in discomfort going into another tournament. After being away for eleven months last season, the 22-Grand Slam champion never wanted to get into any event without being 100% ready.
Withdrawing from the Indian Wells and Monte Carlo Masters was a big blow for the Spaniard’s participation in the French Open next month. Surprisingly, going back to his home country may have brought back the competitive feeling again.
Nadal’s comeback brought excitement to other tennis players, especially fellow Spaniards like Badosa. Many view Nadal as the epitome of tennis because of his hard work and dedication to the sport.
On X (formerly known as Twitter) Badosa revealed her feelings for Nadal’s return to the court.
Goosebumps seeing Rafa again on a track. It always remind me of my childhood. Paula Badosa wrote
Nadal went on to beat Cobolli 6-2, 6-3 as his vintage indescribable backhands kept the 21-year-old Italian at bay.
Paula Badosa to play Aryna Sabalenka in the second round of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix
While Rafael Nadal won again on clay, Paula Badosa also earned her first clay win of the season, beating Diana Shnaider 6-3, 6-4 at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. She will go on to play her friend Aryna Sabalenka in the second round of the event.
Badosa, who lost to Danielle Collins in the second round of the Charleston Open, also earned a win in the doubles partnering with Tunisian Ons Jabeur. The pair won 4-6, 7-5, 10-5 against Nadiia Kichenok and Shuko Aoyama.
The former No. 2 is yet to reach the semifinals of any tournament this season and is languishing at No.93 on the WTA rankings. However, Badosa will be hoping to upset Sabalenka, who has been struggling for form since winning the Australian Open in January.
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