Nadal to make Rome return against qualifier

Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam winner, is gearing up for his return to the Italian Open in Rome after being drawn against a qualifier in the first round. Nadal, known for his dominance on clay courts, aims to continue his comeback from injury as he eyes a record 10th title in Rome.

Should Nadal progress to the second round, he may encounter world number nine Hubert Hurkacz, adding another layer of excitement to his journey. However, standing in his path are formidable opponents like last year’s winner Daniil Medvedev and runner-up Holger Rune.

The 37-year-old Spaniard, a veteran of the sport, clinched the Rome title as recently as 2021 but faced setbacks last year due to injury. Despite his remarkable achievements, Nadal has faced physical challenges in recent years, reflected in his fluctuating ATP tour rankings.

Since returning to action in April following a three-month hiatus, Nadal’s performance has been mixed, with early exits in Barcelona and a modest run to the last 16 in Madrid. Amid speculation about his future, Nadal hinted that this season could be his last, although a definitive retirement date remains undecided. His decision to compete at Roland Garros, where he has enjoyed unparalleled success, hinges on his readiness to vie at the highest level.

Meanwhile, Nadal’s longtime rival Novak Djokovic is poised to launch his bid for a seventh Rome title. With key competitors sidelined, Djokovic faces either a qualifier or Russian Roman Safiullin in the second round, presenting an opportunity to further solidify his legacy in the sport.

However, the absence of rising stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, ranked second and third respectively, due to injury underscores the physical toll of professional tennis. Despite the challenges, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the enduring rivalry between Nadal and Djokovic unfold on the clay courts of Rome.