Nadal: “I hope to be competitive in a few weeks”

Rafael Nadal’s return to the ATP Tour faced a setback as the 37-year-old was defeated by Alex de Minaur in the second round in Barcelona. Despite this, the 14-time Grand Slam champion remains optimistic about his prospects for next month’s Roland-Garros.

In the first set, Nadal displayed glimpses of his prowess, with a chance to lead 5-3 before De Minaur staged a comeback. Reflecting on his performance, Nadal acknowledged his recent struggles with abdominal injuries, which affected his serve speed. Nonetheless, he expressed gratitude for being able to compete in Barcelona, a tournament he has dominated with 12 titles.

Nadal’s journey back to the court has been marked by challenges, including a year-long hiatus due to a hip injury requiring surgery. Although he missed the Australian Open and faced additional setbacks with abdominal issues, Nadal’s determination to return to top form on his beloved clay courts remains unwavering.

Despite falling short against De Minaur, Nadal is buoyed by the opportunity to bid farewell to Barcelona, especially considering his doubts just a week ago about participating in the event. He emphasized the importance of continuing to play and enjoy the game, particularly as he navigates what could potentially be his final year on the Tour.

Acknowledging De Minaur’s superior performance, Nadal credited the Australian’s elevated level of play throughout the season. Despite limited practice, Nadal finds encouragement in his ability to compete and remains hopeful about his future competitiveness if his body allows him to train adequately.

Looking ahead to Roland-Garros, Nadal is determined to give his all on the grand stage, despite turning 38 in June. He understands the necessity of gauging his performance based on how he feels physically, with Madrid serving as a crucial checkpoint in his preparation.

Nadal’s focus is not solely on winning matches but on gradually improving and competing at higher levels in each tournament leading up to the French Open. While he acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding his performance in Paris, Nadal remains committed to giving his best effort and leaving the outcome to fate.