Former ATP player and tennis analyst Mats Wilander recently shared his thoughts on Rafael Nadal’s latest announcement. Nadal, a 22-time major winner, withdrew from the Monte-Carlo Masters citing physical limitations, which stirred concern among fans. Wilander acknowledged the distressing aspect of Nadal admitting that his body may not allow him to compete at his best anymore, raising doubts about his future.
Wilander commended Nadal’s cautious approach, emphasizing that the Spaniard is not pushing himself unless he feels close to 100% fit. Given Nadal’s age of 38, Wilander expressed skepticism about the possibility of a successful comeback if he were to sustain a severe injury. He praised Nadal’s dedication to returning to the court but cautioned against risking further harm.
Despite the challenges Nadal faces, Wilander remains optimistic about his potential return to top form. He highlighted Nadal’s recent appearances, noting his strong performances when healthy. However, Wilander acknowledged the difficulty of reaching optimal health, suggesting that Nadal’s ultimate goal might be to finish his career at Roland Garros, although he personally hopes for a continuation of Nadal’s career beyond that point.
Wilander emphasized the importance of Nadal’s cautious approach to practice, noting that matches pose a greater risk of injury. While acknowledging the worries of Nadal’s fans, Wilander expressed hope for seeing him compete in another French Open, albeit with a hint of concern about the challenges ahead for the legendary player.