Nadal makes his comeback to European clay

By Matt Payne

Arguably the best clay court player the game of tennis has ever seen, Rafael Nadal is looking for a staggering 8th French Open title this year.

He will have to work harder than ever leading up to the event, after suffering a number of injuries that has seen him side-lined for months.

Nadal resides in Majorca, a small holiday island off the coast of Spain. It was here that he learnt his trade in the game, and became such a feared opponent on clay courts.

While Nadal gets his clay court campaign underway, our attention turns to the top five cities hosting the best clay tournaments, on the professional ATP circuit.

Monte Carlo Masters (14.04.2013)

Monte Carlo, Monaco

There is more to the Monte Carlo than casinos and the Grand Prix. This week’s Monte Carlo Masters is a prestigious tennis event and is the first Masters clay court tournament of the season.

There are stunning beaches, clear waters and sunshine all year round. After a day courtside, why not visit some of the most delicious seafood restaurants in the world and enjoy a warm evening sun?

Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell (22.04.2013)

Barcelona

There’s a brilliant cosmopolitan atmosphere in Barcelona, so after a day enjoying the tennis head downtown to enjoy the bars and its vibrant nightlife. If tennis is not the sport for you, then pay a visit to the Nou Camp, the home of Spanish football giants FC Barcelona.

Mutua Madrid Open (05.05.2013)

Madrid

The tennis crowds in Madrid will be getting behind their fellow countryman Nadal, when he steps out onto the centre court. Madrid is the perfect city to enjoy the Spanish culture; there are stunning gardens such as the Parque del Oeste. The inland location makes the city very hot during the summer months, with scorching sunshine, so pack plenty of sun cream.

Internazionali BML d’Italia (12.05.2013)

Rome

This city offers more to its tourists that just an excellent tennis tournament. Rome is simply oozing with culture and is an ideal location for a city break. The Italian tennis fans turn the Internazionali DML d’Italia stadium, into a modern day Colosseum. They are proud to get behind their tennis heroes and cheer them to victory.

Roland Garros- Grand Slam (26.05.2013)

Paris

This is the only Grand Slam played on clay, Nadal will be looking to repeat his success from last year and defend his title. With chanting crowds and fired up underdogs, a win on the Parisian clay is not an easy task; but surly Raffa is up to the challenge?

Just a short taxi ride from the stadium is the classy Champs Elysees, or pay a visit to the famous Louvre gallery.

So there you have it, your guide to the best cities hosting clay court tournaments this spring.

There are plenty of destinations which have tennis courts so you can practice your forehand whilst getting a tan at the same time. Could you be the next tennis champion?

Matt Payne is a travel writer and tennis follower. He regularly writes for lowcostholidays.com

Rafael Nadal image courtesy of ~y.caradec

Discover Majorca holidays at

http://www.lowcostholidays.com/spain/majorca-holidays.htm