Rafael Nadal, Spain’s tennis legend, has raised fresh doubts about his participation in the French Open, scheduled to begin in three weeks. Nadal indicated that he might skip the tournament if his physical condition remains unchanged.
Nadal is set to face Darwin Blanch of the United States in the first round of the Madrid Open on Thursday. However, he expressed concerns about his current fitness level, saying, ‘The sensations haven’t been perfect this week. If it wasn’t Madrid, maybe I wouldn’t play.’
Nadal emphasized that his decision to play in Paris would depend on his physical capabilities. ‘I don’t know what’s going to happen in the following three weeks. I’ll keep fighting and doing the things that I think I need to do to play in Paris. And if it’s possible, then it’s possible. If not, then not. I’m not going to play in Paris the way I’m feeling today. If it was Paris, I wouldn’t be playing.’
Nadal has previously stated that this is likely his final year on the professional tennis tour. He aims to be competitive one last time at Roland Garros, where he has achieved an unparalleled 14 titles. Nadal has also enjoyed considerable success in Madrid, securing a record five titles in the Spanish capital.
Despite his concerns, Nadal remains hopeful. ‘Hopefully I can play without many limitations,’ he said. ‘Then we’ll see what happens. If I play without limitations, even if I lose, then it will be positive.’
Nadal underwent hip surgery last summer and recently lost to Alex de Minaur in the second round of the Barcelona Open, his first tournament in over three months. He remains determined to overcome his physical challenges. ‘The goal is to be on court. Enjoy as long as possible,’ he said. ‘I mean, that’s the thing. Try to finish the tournament alive in terms of body issues, and enjoy the fact that I will be able to compete one more time in the professional tour and here at home in Madrid, a place that gives me everything, no, in terms of support.’
Nadal’s participation in the French Open remains uncertain, and his fitness will be closely monitored in the coming weeks.
