Nadal's habitat the 'perfect' setting
Elsewhere in qualifying, top seed Aslan Karatsev fended off home favourite Pierre-Hugues Herbert 7-6(2), 7-6(1) in an opener which was "anything but easy".
The world No.62 has enjoyed a resurgent stint, including a first ever Masters 1000 semi-final in Madrid, after spending some time in March training at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor.
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"They really welcomed us, they provided everything, the courts, the gym, everything was perfect," said Karatsev.
"We were there for a month to prepare for the clay season, because it was too cold at my base at home. It was fantastic there."
The former world No.14 caught a glimpse of Nadal in action, prior to the 22-time Grand Slam champion's withdrawal.
"Yeah I saw him. He was trying to come back, but was struggling. He was pushing so hard, practising every day," added the 29-year-old. "It was pretty interesting, was amazing."