Rafael Nadal will attempt to win his first title at the Madrid Open since 2017 this year, and fans in the Spanish capital are clearly excited to see him back.
The 35-year-old Spaniard had one of the best starts of the season in his career. Nadal was undefeated in the first 20 matches he played before getting injured and losing in the final of the 2022 Indian Wells to Taylor Fritz.
Now, he's back and ready to compete at the 2022 Madrid Open as he practiced on one of the courts ahead of the ATP Masters 1000 event. On Thursday, the 21-time major winner arrived in Madrid and before stepping on the court, he launched his new Sports University.
In the afternoon, Nadal didn't hesitate and went to enjoy his first practice at a tournament venue court since March. Since the Spaniard has yet to triumph in the Spanish capital since 2017, Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic lifted the last three trophies at the Madrid Open, with the German winning in 2018 and 2021 and the current world number 1 triumphing in 2019.
Before, Nadal triumphed in 2017, 2014, 2013, 2010, and 2005. Now, on his return from injury, he will try to add his sixth trophy in Madrid. During his time off the courts, Nadal, apart from his new Sports University, had also time to open his new tennis center in Hong Kong.
During his practice in Madrid, which isn't usually the tournament that suits him, because of the playing conditions, Nadal looked like he never left, hitting the ball without any apparent issue or injury that could prevent him from challenging for the title.
The reason why the Spaniard has been less successful in Madrid than on another clay courts is Madrid's altitude, which makes the ball fly faster, benefiting players like Zverev, who won the tournament twice, and can rely on his serve.
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