Tennis: triumphant return for Rafael Nadal, who dominates Flavio Cobolli in the first round of the Barcelona tournament

Rafael Nadal had not played a match since a quarter-final in Brisbane in January. MAXPPP – Enric Fontcuberta

Three months after his injury in Brisbane, Rafael Nadal returned to the circuit on Tuesday April 16. He easily disposed of Flavio Cobolli in two sets (6-2, 6-3) in the first round of the ATP 500 in Barcelona.

The stands were packed this Tuesday for the return of the man who has 66 victories and 12 titles on Barcelona clay. So, when he shows up with his traditional headband and dressed in his flashy outfit, the Spanish fans explode.

This afternoon, the Spaniard sometimes had his arm shaking. Failed first serves, but the sensations of yesteryear were quickly rediscovered. The first forehands, the first screams, the first slides and the first points that follow. Nadal's dominance on this surface is still as impressive as ever, almost two years after he last stepped on it.

Even though closer to the end than the beginning, "Rafa" is still there, and it was on his land that he easily dismissed the Italian in two sets, 6-2, 6-3 for his return after his injury in the quarter-finals of the tournament Brisbane in January.

De Minaur to really gauge yourself

In the second round, the man who is now 644th in the world will face world number 11, Alex De Minaur, against whom he will really be able to judge his level a little over a month from Roland -Garros.