Rafael Nadal Contemplates French Open Participation Amid Lingering Injury Concerns

Rafael Nadal of Spain, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, expressed uncertainty regarding his participation in next month’s French Open, citing ongoing injury issues. On Wednesday, Nadal, 37, revealed that he is grappling with physical discomfort as he returns to competitive tennis.

Speaking ahead of his first-round match against American Darwin Blanch at the Madrid Open, Nadal admitted that he is far from his peak form. He emphasized that his decision to compete in Madrid is a personal sacrifice, acknowledging that he wouldn’t have played if the event were the French Open.

Tennis Full Results | Schedule

Expressing his sentiments, Nadal stated, “I don’t think I’ll be able to play at 100%, but it’s important to be able to play for the last time in Madrid. It means a lot to me to play on this court where I’ve had some great moments.”

Nadal’s remarks reflect his uncertainty about his readiness for the upcoming Grand Slam event at Roland Garros. He emphasized the importance of evaluating his physical condition over the next few weeks before making a definitive decision.

“I’m going to do the things I have to do to be able to play in Paris. And if I can, I can, and if I can’t, I can’t. I’m going to Paris if I feel like I’m good enough… I’m going to Paris if I feel capable enough to compete,” Nadal asserted.

The Spanish tennis icon, who has previously hinted at retiring after the 2024 season, returned to the ATP Tour in January after nearly a year on the sidelines due to a hip flexor injury. Despite a promising start at the Brisbane International, where he won his first two matches, Nadal faced a setback with a quarter-final loss to Jordan Thompson.

Nadal’s struggles continued in subsequent tournaments, including a recent defeat at the hands of Alex de Minaur in Barcelona. Reflecting on his performance, Nadal expressed dissatisfaction, acknowledging the challenges of competing without being able to give his best.

“I am a competitive person, and it is difficult to play without being able to give my best. If you ask me if I was happy in Barcelona, I say ‘no, I wasn’t happy,'” Nadal admitted.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his French Open participation, Nadal remains committed to making a well-informed decision based on his physical condition. He emphasized his determination to compete at his best but also acknowledged the possibility of missing the prestigious tournament.

“We’ll see what happens, but the world doesn’t end if I don’t play at Roland Garros. I also have the Olympic Games ahead of me,” Nadal concluded, highlighting his broader perspective on the upcoming tennis season.