Rafael Nadal’s participation in the upcoming French Open remains uncertain as he battles ongoing physical limitations. The 14-time Roland Garros champion admitted that he would not be able to compete if the tournament were to start today.
Nadal’s return to tennis in January after a year-long injury layoff was short-lived. He sustained a muscle problem in Australia and has only played five matches this season. His comeback efforts have been hampered by persistent body issues that have limited his mobility and confidence.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next three weeks. I will keep fighting and doing the things I believe I have to do so I can try to play in Paris, and if I can play, I play, if I can’t, I can’t,” Nadal said at the Madrid Open.
The Spaniard’s clay campaign began in Barcelona last week, where he lost in the second round. He is set to face 16-year-old American Darwin Blanch in his Madrid opener on Thursday.
“I don’t think I’m ready to play at my 100 percent but I’m prepared to go out and play tomorrow. It’s important for me to play one last time here in Madrid, for me it means a lot,” said the 37-year-old Nadal.
Nadal’s farewell tour has been bittersweet, as he has struggled to regain his former dominance. He admits that his physical limitations have made it difficult to enjoy the experience as much as he would have hoped.
“A few weeks ago, I didn’t know if I will be able to play again on the professional tour, so today I am playing,” he added. “It’s not perfect, of course not perfect, but at least I am playing and I can enjoy again, especially in the few tournaments that are so emotional for me. I’m able to enjoy the fact that I can say probably good-bye on court.”
Despite his physical challenges, Nadal remains determined to compete in Paris one last time. He believes that if he can overcome his limitations, he has a chance to make a deep run in the tournament.
“I will only play in Paris if I feel capable enough to compete well,” Nadal said. “If Paris were today, I wouldn’t take to the court. That’s the reality. I will only play in Paris if I feel capable enough to compete well.”
