Nadal Will Only Play At French Open If He Feels ‘Capable To Compete

Rafael Nadal has expressed uncertainty about his participation in the upcoming French Open, stating that he will only compete if he feels physically prepared.

The 14-time Roland Garros champion missed the French Open for the first time in nearly two decades due to injury in 2023. Now, at 37 years old and with plans to retire after the 2024 season, Nadal is cautious about his return to the Grand Slam event.

Ahead of his farewell appearance at the Madrid Open this week, Nadal reflected on his current condition and upcoming challenges. He faces American 16-year-old Darwin Blanch in the first round, acknowledging the importance of playing at Madrid one last time despite not feeling fully fit.

Nadal recently made a comeback at the Barcelona Open after a three-month hiatus due to injury. Despite winning his opening match, he faced a defeat against Australian Alex de Minaur. His limited playtime since January 2023, plagued by hip and abdominal injuries, has significantly impacted his ranking, currently at 644th in the world.

With the French Open commencing on May 26th, Nadal remains uncertain about his readiness for the tournament. Reflecting on his journey back to the professional tour, he expressed gratitude for being able to play again, particularly in emotionally significant tournaments like Madrid.

Nadal remains pragmatic about his future, stating, “I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next three weeks.” He emphasizes his intention to assess his condition and only participate in Paris if he feels capable of competing at his best.Rafael Nadal has expressed uncertainty about his participation in the upcoming French Open, stating that he will only compete if he feels physically prepared.

The 14-time Roland Garros champion missed the French Open for the first time in nearly two decades due to injury in 2023. Now, at 37 years old and with plans to retire after the 2024 season, Nadal is cautious about his return to the Grand Slam event.

Reported By BBC Sports