Andrey Rublev Stunned by Brandon Nakashima in Barcelona Opener

In a surprising turn of events, Andrey Rublev, the world number eight, faced an early exit from the Barcelona Open as he succumbed to a defeat against Brandon Nakashima in the opening round on Tuesday. Nakashima, the 22-year-old American ranked 87th, secured a 6-4, 7-6(6) victory over the Russian powerhouse.

Rublev, known for his fierce competitiveness, struggled to find his rhythm throughout the match, committing five double faults and managing to force only one break point against Nakashima. The American seized control of the encounter by clinching the first set with a crucial break in the ninth game, securing a 5-4 lead before serving out the set.

Despite Rublev’s resilience in the second set, where he saved four break points, he faltered in the tie-break, ultimately conceding victory to Nakashima after sending a backhand long. The frustration of defeat was palpable as Rublev vented his emotions by repeatedly smashing his racket on the ground before storming off the court.

Meanwhile, the Barcelona Open also marked the return of Rafael Nadal to the ATP Tour. Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, had been sidelined since January due to a hip injury he experienced during the Brisbane tournament. Making his comeback at the Barcelona Open, a tournament where he boasts a record 12 titles, Nadal expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to competitive tennis, referring to it as a “gift.” Nadal’s participation in the event comes after a significant absence, during which he missed the majority of the 2023 season due to injury. With his return, Nadal aims to make the most of the remaining years of his professional career, acknowledging that this year could potentially be his last as a professional player.

However, Nadal’s compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning champion in Barcelona from 2022 and 2023, was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to a forearm injury. Alcaraz’s absence was a setback for the event, depriving fans of the opportunity to witness the young Spanish talent defend his title on home soil.