Spanish ace Rafael Nadal had some extremely strong words about Roland Garros in an interview today. Along with a health update ahead of the Madrid Open, the Spaniard also spoke about the possibility of missing the French Open.
The 37-year-old has already revealed his plans for retirement after this year and is currently on Tour trying to give his career a proper goodbye. Despite injury concerns, the Spaniard has returned to the court for the second time and will play in the Mutua Madrid Open.
Unfortunately, earlier, he revealed that he was not 100% but continued to compete in Madrid. However, he also made a shocking statement about not playing the French Open if he continues to feel this way.
If I arrive 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 got goals after Roland Garros, like the Olympics. Said Rafael Nadal.
Nadal with some strong words about Roland Garros.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) April 24, 2024
“If I arrive 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 got…
Nadal has clearly stated that his priority is the Paris Olympics and that he is determined to be fit by then to play for his country. However, if he continues to not feel 100% well, then the French Open will probably not witness the Rafa magic for the last time.
King of Clay Rafael Nadal made his comeback at the Barcelona Open. After suffering a minor injury before the Australian Open, the Spaniard returned but couldn’t manage to last longer than a round.
Earlier today, Nadal also revealed that he would be playing the Madrid Open for the last time.
I don’t think I will be able to play at 100%, but it means a lot to me to play in Madrid for one last time in my career. It’s a special place and court for me. Said Rafael Nadal
Nadal.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) April 24, 2024
“I don’t think I will be able to play at 100%, but it means a lot to me to play in Madrid for one last time in my career. It’s a special place and court for me.”
Insists and confirms this is the last time he plays Madrid.
He will face the young Darwin Blanch in the first round. An exciting clash of two generations as Nadal looks to get some momentum soon.
His opponent, on the other hand, has an enormous opportunity to get his name on the charts with a major win against the former World No. 1. The two will clash to begin the Madrid Open with a bang.
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