It means a lot to me – Rafael Nadal after win against Flavio Cobolli

Rafael Nadal made a winning comeback from injury as he defeated Flavio Cobolli by 6-2, 6-3 in the opening round of the Barcelona Open. The veteran Spaniard looked at his absolute best against the young Italian.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion broke Cobolli’s serve in his second-service game, thus hitting the ground running to take a 4-1 lead. Nadal returned to action after last playing in the Brisbane Open earlier in the year. The southpaw suffered a muscle tear injury and thus was ruled out of the Australian Open.

“Every time it is more difficult and especially when you are at an advanced age, it makes things even tougher,” Nadal said of his return. “I’m going through tough moments but at the same time, when I’m able to be on Tour for a few days and practice with the guys and then be able to compete a little bit, it means a lot to me. Still enjoyable enough to keep going. I’m happy to start with a victory without a doubt.”

Nadal made Cobolli run for every ball as he played at the top of his game. The 21-year-old youngster wasn’t at his best as he committed 41 unforced errors, 27 out of which came in the opening set.

Nadal won 78 percent of his first-serve points (25/32) and won his first match against Cobolli in one hour, and 25 minutes.

The 92-time tour-level titlist will next meet fourth seed Alex de Minaur in the next round on Wednesday. Nadal has a 3-1 record against the Australian, who has been in good form in the ongoing season.

Nadal has won the Barcelona Open on 12 occasions.