Rafael Nadal makes telling comment about French Open future ahead of blockbuster Alexander Zverev clash
Rafael Nadal has refused to officially confirm that he is embarking on his final French Open campaign as he gears up for a tough round one match against Alexander Zverev on Monday.
A 14-time champion at Roland Garros, Nadal holds an astonishing 112-3 record at Roland Garros, and last lifted the title at the tournament just two years ago.
But the Spaniard has been plagued by physical struggles ever since that triumph, and has looked shaky at times during his hesitant return to action this clay season.
The former world No 1 came into Paris after a disastrous round two performance in Rome, where he was understandably left hugely unsatisfied following a 6-1, 6-3 loss to Hubert Hurkacz.
Nadal had previously received a farewell ceremony on home clay in Madrid, but plans for a similar presentation at Roland Garros may now have been scuppered.
While admitting this could be his last appearance at the tournament, Nadal refused to rule out playing again next year.
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Speaking in press, he said: “Is this my last Roland Garros? Probably yes, but I don’t want to say 100%.
“I don’t want to close the door. This place is magical for me. I may say yes in a couple of months, but I feel better than a month and a half ago.
“I am enjoying and feel competitive in training. I can play against anyone and I don’t feel worse than others. That gives me hope. I progressed since Rome, especially in terms of movement. I can run without limitations now.
“I’m not anxious, I’m focused on trying to play. Maybe I will repeat the disaster of Rome but in my mind I’m going to give myself a chance to be competitive here. The answer will be on Monday.”
Feel the crowd #RolandGarros @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/WY5eim5KYc
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 25, 2024
After his heavy Rome defeat, Nadal will certainly need a much-improved performance against fourth seed Zverev – one of the toughest draws he could have possibly received.
The German comes into the event fresh off winning the title in the Italian capital and sits second in the ATP Race to Turin, with only Jannik Sinner ahead of him.
Nadal and Zverev last met in the French Open semi-final two years ago, where the world No 4 was forced to retire after suffering a serious leg injury.
Two years on, Zverev is back near his best and is a significant favourite for this match – and is many people’s pick to win the title.
But it is hard to fully discount Nadal at this tournament, and the 37-year-old revealed he was feeling better physically in the build-up to this contest.
He added: “I am good. Now my body is better, so, even [though] Rome was not a good event, but I am feeling better. In all ways, you know.”
“So, I am happy the way that I am practising here. I know I have a super tough first round, one of the toughest possible, but that’s what happens when you are not seeded.”
