Rafael Nadal to make Rome return against qualifier | Tennis News - Times of India

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NEW DELHI:

Rafael Nadal

's return to the court after injury continues as he prepares to take on a qualifier in the first round of the

Italian Open

in Rome.

The 22-time

Grand Slam

champion, renowned for his prowess on clay, is eyeing yet another successful campaign in the Italian capital, where he has previously clinched the title an impressive 10 times.

Nadal's potential path in the tournament sees him possibly facing off against world number nine Hubert Hurkacz should he progress to the second round.

Sharing his side of the draw are formidable opponents such as last year's winner, world number four

Daniil Medvedev

, and the runner-up Holger Rune.

The 37-year-old Spaniard's last triumph in Rome dates back to 2021, and his hopes were dashed last year due to injury, forcing him to withdraw from the tournament.

Since his comeback in April following a three-month hiatus, Nadal's performances have been a mix of highs and lows, reaching the last 16 in Madrid but falling in the second round in Barcelona.

This season is speculated to potentially mark Nadal's farewell to professional tennis, although the exact timing of his retirement remains uncertain. Lingering physical ailments have plagued him over the past couple of years, and his participation in

Roland Garros

later this month hinges on his feeling of competitiveness.

Meanwhile, his longtime rival Novak Djokovic, aiming for his seventh title in Rome, awaits either a qualifier or Russian Roman Safiullin in the second round, with key competitors sidelined.

However, the absence of home hopes Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, ranked two and three in the world respectively, due to injury, adds an unpredictable element to the tournament.

(With AFP inputs)