2024-04-25 00:12:49
22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal said it was not at all clear whether he would be able to play at the French Open next month.
The Spaniard, who has 14 Roland Garros titles, added that if the tournament in Paris started today, he would not be playing it. As his main goal for this season, he set himself the participation in the Olympic Games, which are also in the French capital.
On Thursday, Nadal is due to take to the court in Madrid for his first-round match at the Masters tournament, and his opponent will be 16-year-old Darwin Blanche of the United States.
“I don’t think I’m able to play at 100 percent right now. But it’s important for me to play in Madrid for one last time in my career. It’s a special place for me,” said the 37-year-old Nadal.
“None of the organizers have spoken to me about a farewell, so they can do whatever they want. I’m calm,” he added.
The Spaniard revealed that during the training he did not feel completely OK, but personal reasons make him play in Madrid.
“If Roland Garros started today, I wouldn’t play. I’ll only participate if I feel I can achieve something significant. If I can play like that, I’ll play. If I can’t, I won’t play. It won’t be the end of the world for me or the end of my career,” Nadal explained.