Rafael Nadal says he is unsure whether he will be able to compete in next month’s French Open due to ongoing pain in his recovery from injury. The 22-time Grand Slam champion acknowledged Wednesday that he is far from peak shape and will play against American Darwin Blanch in the first round of the Madrid Open on Thursday as a personal sacrifice.
“If I was in Paris today, I wouldn’t go out to play,” Nadal, 37, stated at a press conference in reference to Roland Garros. “I don’t think I’ll be able to play at my full potential, but it’s crucial to play one last time in Madrid.
“This does not imply I’m giving up on anything in the next weeks. I’m not sure what might happen. Without wanting to confuse anyone, I’m not sure what will happen in the next three weeks.” Also read: Quiet Aryna Sabalenka Cleans Ahead of Good Friend Paula Badosa in Miami Second Round
Nadal has long struggled with injury, playing only five competitive matches this year, three in Brisbane in January and two in Barcelona last week. He has already indicated that 2024 could be his final year on tour.
I’ll do everything I need to do to play in Paris. And if I can, I can; if not, I can’t,” said Nadal, a 14-time French Open winner. “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 has won a record five Madrid titles, the most recent in 2017.
He said he is giving himself “a chance” and hopes to “find better feelings” in his body going forward. “I don’t lose hope and I just accept the situation that I have today,” Nadal said. “I mean, I am not playing bad. It’s about more body limitations.” Also read: Emma Raducanu suffers heavy first-round loss in Madrid