Tennis legend Rafael Nadal expressed gratitude and excitement as he prepares to return to action at the Barcelona Open, considering each moment on the court a "gift" in what he anticipates to be his final year of professional tennis.

Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, has been sidelined since January due to a hip injury. He is set to play his first ATP Tour match in Barcelona against Flavio Cobolli on Tuesday, an event taking place on the court named after him.

Reflecting on his return, Nadal emphasized his joy at being present in Barcelona rather than dwelling on missed opportunities. Despite declaring 2024 as potentially his last year on tour, Nadal remains open-ended about retirement, explaining that life's circumstances will ultimately guide his decision.

The tournament draw initially pointed towards a matchup between Nadal and fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals, but Alcaraz's withdrawal due to fitness concerns shifted Nadal's focus solely to his upcoming matches.

Nadal's return to the clay court in Barcelona, where he has won a record 12 titles, marks a significant moment in his illustrious career as he aims to savor every aspect of his final year in professional tennis.