Rafael Nadal has expressed uncertainty about making a farewell appearance at the upcoming French Open, casting doubt on his participation in the prestigious tournament.
Despite returning to action in Barcelona last week after grappling with another hip issue, Nadal’s journey has been far from smooth. While he managed to defeat Flavio Cobolli, his journey was cut short with a loss to Alex De Minaur in the second round.
As he gears up for the Madrid Open, Nadal delivered a somber assessment of his physical condition during a press conference, stating, “Some moments I find myself enjoying being on court, playing against the best players again and I feel myself more or less competitive, and other moments I feel limitations and it’s difficult.”
The 37-year-old emphasized that his participation in Roland Garros hinges on his sense of competitiveness and physical readiness. He made it clear that if he doesn’t feel up to the challenge, he won’t hesitate to skip the event, asserting, “If I arrive in Paris the way I feel today, I will not play. I will play Roland Garros if I feel competitive. If I can play, I play. If I can’t play, I can’t. It won’t be the end of the world or the end of my career.
I still have goals after Roland Garros, like the Olympics.” Despite repeatedly indicating that this season would mark his final on tour, Nadal’s plans have encountered unforeseen hurdles. In an upcoming match at the Madrid Open, Nadal is slated to face 16-year-old American wildcard Darwin Blanch in the first round, adding a layer of intrigue to his journey amidst his home fans.