April 24, (THEWILL) – The 22-time Grand Slam champion, Rafael Nadal, has cast doubt over his participation at next month’s French Open. The 37-year-old Spaniard revealed on Wednesday that he is still battling to regain full fitness after a lengthy injury layoff. Nadal missed most of the 2023 season due to a hip flexor injury.
During a pre-tournament press conference ahead of the Madrid Open, Nadal admitted he would not be able to compete at Roland Garros if the French Open started today. “If I was in Paris today, I wouldn’t go out to play,” he stated candidly. However, he plans to give himself every chance to recover in time for the clay-court major.
Nadal emphasised the sentimental importance of playing in Madrid this week, even if not at 100%. “It means a lot to me to play on this court where I’ve had some great moments,” he explained. The Spaniard is adamant he has not given up hope of featuring at the French Open, but acknowledged his prospects remain uncertain.
The former world number one returned to action in January after nearly a year out with injury. Despite some encouraging performances, Nadal has looked not being at his dominant best, for which he is known. He was forced to retire during a gruelling quarter-final match in Brisbane.
“I’m going to do the things I have to do to be able to play in Paris. And if I can, I can and if I can’t, I can’t,” Nadal concluded pragmatically. With his career winding down, the 2024 Olympics also remains another major goal for the tennis legend.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
