Returning Rafa calls comeback a 'gift'

Rafael Nadal faces Flavio Cobolli on Tuesday in his first match on clay since winning Roland Garros in 2022

Transcript

00:00And for me, more than regretting where I couldn't be or not, I'm happy to be here.

00:08I'm aware that for me, on a personal level, it's already a gift to be in Barcelona.

00:14I take it as my last year, and I want to try to enjoy every moment.

00:22For me, all of this has a more special meaning.

00:28The fact that I have this feeling, the fact that I couldn't be in Montecar last week, hurt me.

00:35But luckily, things have improved for this week, and I feel ready enough to go out and play tomorrow.

00:44I don't think about the future, I don't think about how I'll get there or not.

00:49I'm aware of the situation, how things can happen, and I'm well prepared.

00:58But I'm also totally realistic that for me, just being here is a great joy,

01:05and above all, a joy to be able to play again in this tournament and on this pitch.