Rafael Nadal is set to return to ATP competition for the first time since January at the Barcelona Open next week, where he will face Flavio Cobolli. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has been recovering from a hip injury that flared up during his quarter-final defeat at the Brisbane Open. Nadal's compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, the world No.3, will also return to the tournament after withdrawing from the Monte Carlo Masters due to a right arm injury. Nadal, who missed most of the 2023 season due to injury, has only played at the Brisbane International this season. His injury prompted withdrawals from the Australian Open, Doha, and Indian Wells, where he initially planned to make his comeback. Nadal's return is crucial for his clay court preparation as he aims to win a record 15th French Open title in June, especially considering this might be his last year on tour.