Rafael Nadal is unsure to play at the French Open despite pushing on his plan to play his opening Madrid Open match on Thursday.
Visit M88 Sports for more tennis news and updates.
NADAL UNSURE OF FRENCH OPEN DESPITE PLAYING IN MADRID OPEN
Nadal said he remains unsure of showing up at the French Open despite the Spaniard penciled in to begin his Madrid Open campaign against Darwin Blanch.
The former world No.1 said the Madrid Open “meant a lot to me,” citing his reason to play despite still feeling pain from his injury.
“If I was in Paris today, I wouldn’t go out to play. I don’t think I’ll be able to play at 100%,” Nadal said on Wednesday.
“Without confusing anyone, I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next three weeks,” he added.
Nadal played in only three games in Brisbane in January and two in Barcelona last week due to injuries.
NADAL TO ENJOY 2024 SEASON, ATTEMPT FRENCH OPEN SWAN SONG
Nadal has said that 2024 may be his last season of playing professional tennis, so he is going to make the most of it.
“The goal is to be on court. Enjoy as long as possible. I mean, that’s the thing,” the 22-time Grand Slam champion said.
(But) it’s important to be able to play for the last time in Madrid. It means a lot to me to play on this court where I’ve had some great moments,” Nadal said.
However, the 14-time French Open winner assured his fans that he would play at Roland Garros “if I feel capable enough to compete.”
“I’m going to Paris if I feel like I’m good enough. It’s about more body limitations,” he said.
RADUCANO DROPS OPENING MADRID OPEN MATCH TO CARLE
Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu dropped her opening Madrid Open match on Wednesday after losing to Argentina’s Maria Lourdes Carle, 2-6, 2-6.
Raducano was broken in the first game of the match and lost the first seven points of the match against Carle.
The 2021 US Open champion struggled as she was again broken by Carle in the second set.
Raducanu thus failed to carry the momentum of her four wins for Britain in the Billie Jean King Cup finals.
The win pushed Carle to advance against No.17 seed Veronika Kudermetova in the second round.
