Rafael Nadal made a triumphant return to clay with a convincing 6-2 6-3 win over Flavio Cobolli at the Barcelona Open, but Serena Williams' former coach Rick Macci feels the Spaniard has now lost his 'invincibility'.
Nadal suffered another injury setback in Brisbane earlier this year, forcing him to miss the Australian Open as well as Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells, Miami and Monte-Carlo.
The 37-year-old also missed the rest of the 2023 season after his serious hip injury at the Australian Open last year.
But he made his long-awaited return to competitive action at the Barcelona Open this week against Italian star Cobolli.
Rafael Nadal made a winning return in Barcelona
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Nadal brushed the 21-year-old aside in straight sets to step up his preparations for the French Open next month.
However, Macci doubts whether Nadal will be a contender to win a 15th Roland Garros title.
"First off – the King of Clay; the best claycourt player to ever hold a racket; 112-3 at the French Open – are you kidding me?" he told Sportskeeda.
"If you are 112-3 at anything, you’re amazing let alone pro tennis.
"But yes. Rafa doesn’t quite move like I’ve seen him move in the past. And even in the Grand Slams - now you’re playing the best of five.
"That invincibility is kinda over, alright?
"He still - on clay, if his health is good - and it’s all about his health - he can still be a rough out for anybody.
"But as a contender, I can’t see it. He hasn’t played enough. The fear factor’s kinda gone."
Rafael Nadal will be hoping to be in contention to win the French Open
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Nadal announced last year his intention to retire at the end of the 2024 season.
His injury setback has delayed his farewell tour, but Nadal is grateful for the few opportunities he has left while his body still allows him to compete.
“I have done that [come back from challenges] a lot of times in my career; it’s true that it gets more difficult when you are at an advanced age," Nadal said.
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Rick Macci was Serena Williams' former coach
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“I am going through tough moments, but at the same time, when I am able to be on the tour for a few days and practice with the guys and then compete a little bit, means a lot to me.
“It’s still enjoyable enough for me to keep doing it.”
Nadal faces a tougher test in the second round of the Barcelona Open against No 4 seed Alex de Minaur.
