Former world No 12 delivers Rafael Nadal comeback verdict after Madrid Open run
Feliciano Lopez has given his thoughts on the progress Rafael Nadal has made so far in his comeback after his encouraging run at the 2024 Madrid Open.
The former world No 12 believes Nadal’s tennis “is there”, while assessing that his fellow Spaniard “really needs” matches to improve his “physical condition.”
Nadal defeated Darwin Blanch, Alex de Minaur and Pedro Cachin to advance to the last 16 of the Madrid Open, where he was beaten 7-5, 6-4 by Jiri Lehecka.
His fourth round loss to the world No 31 was probably the final match of his career on home soil — given he has revealed 2024 will likely be his last year on tour.
Considering he was only playing the second tournament of his latest comeback from injury, Nadal’s exploits in the Spanish capital were hugely positive.
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Gaining match practice ahead of a potential final French Open appearance is paramount for Nadal as he has been starved of competitive action in the past two years due to injuries.
The former world No 1, who will turn 38 in June during the French Open, has played only 27 matches since winning his 22nd major at the 2022 edition of Roland Garros
In an interview with L’Equipe, Lopez addressed the current situation of his former Davis Cup teammate Nadal.
“His tennis is there. He hits the ball very well, forehand and backhand with a lot of power. It is in terms of his physical condition that I think he can progress,” said the Spaniard.
“You can spend as many hours as you want in the gym, nothing replaces matches. That’s really what he needs. And since he withdrew before his semi‐final at Wimbledon [in 2022], he has had to play barely ten [matches].”
Lopez, the Madrid Open tournament director, also spoke about Nadal’s farewell at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament while speaking on Sky Sports.
“I am happy for him because he made some progress, so this is something to consider. Paris is coming in two or three weeks and, honestly, after two years without playing, just to have him back on the court, for me it’s good news already,” said Lopez.
“He’s a legend, it’s not about tennis, about the matches he won over the last years… I think he’s someone very special, not only because the titles and the matches he won. He’s someone that deserves everything.
“And for me, it was one of the most important moments in the history of this tournament because he plays here the last 20 years, he won five times. He’s our best best sportsman, player in the history of our country. So for us, it was a very special moment.”
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