Former world No.1 Rafael Nadal showed no signs of discomfort after playing an exhibition match against compatriot Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday.
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NADAL OUT TO ‘SPEND MORE TIME’ PLAYING
The 22-time Grand Slam winner felt “much better than expected” despite his 3-6, 6-4 (14-12) loss to current world No.2 Alcaraz in “The Netflix Slam.” The 37-year-old showed no pain on his hip which sidelined him for most of 2023.
“I need to spend more time on the tour, at least to practice with the professional players even if not playing many official matches,” Nadal said. “That’s the important thing right now, is to be in rhythm again.”
“I was not able to play the way I expected. I had to pull out from Doha, so let’s see.
Nadal may heed Uncle Toni Nadal’s earlier statement about his nephew playing in Indian Wells. The Spanish tennis great is looking to travel to play in California this week.
BODY, NOT MIND TO DETERMINE NADAL’S FUTURE
Should he show up and play at Indian Wells, fans can hope for Nadal to play in the French Open in May. The 14-time Roland Garros winner seeks to claim his record 15th title in Paris this year.
Nadal cited the importance of his physical condition, above anything else, as the gauge for him to play in more tournaments.
“It’s my body more than anything else because my mind is healthy,” Nadal said. “I have a passion for what I am doing.”
