Nadal confirms he will play in Barcelona after 'last-minute' decision

Rafael Nadal has confirmed that he will make his long-awaited return to tennis by playing in the Barcelona Open.

Nadal hasn’t played since the Brisbane International in January due to injury and has subsequently had to withdraw from a host of big tournaments including the Australian Open, Indian Wells and the Monte-Carlo Masters.

But speaking at a press conference on Monday, Nadal has confirmed that he will be able to take part in Barcelona, an event he has won a record 12 times.

“I came here a bit on a last minute decision, not knowing if I could play,” Nadal said.

“But tomorrow I’ll be on the court.

He added: “For me it’s a gift to be able to be here in Barcelona, I will treat it as my last year [here] and I want to enjoy every moment.”

Monte Carlo champion Stefanos Tsitsipas could then await in the semi-finals.

However one name who won’t be present in Barcelona is the defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Nadal’s compatriot has had to withdraw with an arm injury, the same one that saw him also miss Monte-Carlo.

The race is also on for Alcaraz and the French Open, with the world No. 3 hoping to be fit to play in Madrid which starts on April 24, with the final taking place on Alcaraz’s birthday.