Nadal is playing in his first event since an abdominal injury forced him to withdraw from Wimbledon last month.
In a video posted by the tournament on its Twitter account, the 22-time Grand Slam champ could be seen enjoying his practice session at the venue. The Spaniard laughed and flashed a smile as he lunged forward for a hit and playfully kicked a tennis ball.
While Nadal seemed relaxed in the video – a welcome news for fans of the 2013 Cincinnati Open champion – the World No. 3 is well aware that his comeback from injury will not be easy.
While he assessed that he was playing “more or less OK,” Nadal said that match competition was different, especially at the Masters 1000 level where one would face tough opponents from the onset.
Also Checkout: Cincinnati Open 2022 Schedule
Nadal last played at the Cincinnati Open in 2017 where he lost to mercurial Aussie Nick Kyrgios in the quarterfinals. He holds a 22-11 record at the event.
“I am trying to do things properly, trying to be a bit more conservative; I hope I can be ready for the action here” - Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal is looking to tighten the gap in the race for the most Masters 1000 titles as he eyes his second crown at the Cincinnati Open.
Nadal is setting his sights on his 37th trophy at this level to inch closer to record-setting Novak Djokovic, who holds 38.
During the presser, Nadal said that he is “trying to do things properly” so that he can be ready for action in Cincinnati.
Nadal is set to face the winner between Borna Coric and Lorenzo Musetti in his opening match Wednesday night.
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