Flavio Cobolli vs Rafael Nadal Preview & Prediction | 2024 Barcelona Open | First Round
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
What is this tournament classed as in terms of ranking points? ATP 500
When is Flavio Cobolli vs Rafael Nadal on and what time does it start? Flavio Cobolli vs Rafael Nadal will take place on Tuesday 16th April, 2024 – not before 15:00 (UK)
Where is Flavio Cobolli vs Rafael Nadal taking place? Flavio Cobolli vs Rafael Nadal will take place at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain
What surface is Flavio Cobolli vs Rafael Nadal being played on? Flavio Cobolli vs Rafael Nadal will take place on an outdoor clay court
Where can I get tickets for Flavio Cobolli vs Rafael Nadal? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Flavio Cobolli vs Rafael Nadal
What channel is Flavio Cobolli vs Rafael Nadal on in the UK? Flavio Cobolli vs Rafael Nadal will be televised live on Sky Sports in the UK
Where can I stream Flavio Cobolli vs Rafael Nadal in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Flavio Cobolli vs Rafael Nadal live on Sky Go, while Tennis TV subscribers can also stream the match live
THE PREDICTION
The tennis world will hold its breath on Tuesday as former world number one Rafael Nadal takes to court for the first time since January, when an injury to his side forced him out of the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International on his comeback from an even longer absence. The 37-year-old has stated that 2024 looks to be his last on tour as a professional, following many years of issues with a recurring foot injury, but a new issue in his core which has limited his ability to serve at full strength is further evidence that his body can no longer support his fearsome game. That being said, Nadal is notoriously particular in his preparation; if he felt that playing in Barcelona could significantly hinder his chances at Roland-Garros later this spring he would not have entered.
Nadal will be welcomed back to Barcelona as hero here but this is no gimme against 21-year-old Flavio Cobolli, who brings a career-high ATP world ranking of 62nd into the draw following an excellent few months on tour. The Italian has done little on clay so far this year but he impressed on the surface last summer, mostly off the tour, and his run to the third round of the Australian Open in January saw a huge shock over Nicolas Jarry in the first round that promises plenty of potential. Further wins over Gael Monfils and Felix Auger-Aliassime on hardcourts this season suggest he can continue to enjoy this strong breakthrough year but facing Nadal on clay, even this relatively untested, match un-fit version of the Spaniard, is a daunting test for anyone. Back Nadal to win outright, with the Barcelona crowd dragging him through tough moments, to bring some hope back to his farewell year.
TIP: RAFAEL NADAL TO WIN
