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Rafael Nadal's comeback at Barcelona Open ended by Alex de Minaur

Rafael Nadal's injury comeback was ended by Alex de Minaur as the 12-time champion waved goodbye to the Barcelona Open for possibly the final time.

Nadal, 37, returned to court on Tuesday after a three-month absence, making light work of 21-year-old Italian Flavio Cobolli in a straight-set win.

A day later, Nadal lost 7-5 6-1 to world number 11 De Minaur in round two.

Nadal, a 22-time major winner, has indicated he plans to retire in 2024 if he is unable to compete regularly.

The former world number one, now ranked 644th, has only played five matches since January 2023 because of hip and abdominal injuries.