Toni Nadal, who happens to be the uncle and former coach of tennis legend Rafael Nadal, recently predicted that despite his uncertain health situation, the Spaniard will go on to win the 2024 French Open, at the Rafa Nadal School of Sport at the Alfonso X el Sabio University. He also talked about the prospect of the 37-year-old playing in the 2024 Paris Masters.
Rafael Nadal suffered a hip injury at the Australian Open last year and had to undergo surgery, which kept him away from the court for a year. He finally made his comeback in the Brisbane International but once again, suffered a muscle issue after his quarterfinal match against Jordan Thompson, which did not allow him to take part in the 2024 Australian Open.
Nadal was earlier supposed to take part in the 2024 Doha Open but he recently revealed that he might opt out of it and confirmed that he will definitely be available for the Indian Wells. The Spaniard has reiterated on several occasions that his primary goal is to take part in the 2024 French Open with as much fitness as possible, and thus he does not want to risk it.
I still think that Rafael will go to Roland Garros [this year] and that he will win. Toni Nadal said while talking about his nephew’s comeback. (H/T: Tennis365)
Rafael Nadal has an impeccable record at the French Open. He has a 97% win percentage in the tournament, having won 113 matches and lost only 3 matches at Roland Garros. He has 14 titles at the Grand Slam, which makes him the most decorated player in the history of the French Open.
Toni Nadal talks about Rafael Nadal’s prospects at the 2024 Paris Olympics
The 2024 Summer Olympics are set to take place in Paris between July 26 and August 11. Toni Nadal said that his nephew can also win a medal at the Olympics this year and narrated how the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where Nadal won the gold medal in the men’s singles event, was one of the best experiences of his life. However, the coach jokingly wished for Novak Djokovic to get injured ahead of the Olympics, so that Nadal gets to win the gold medal.
The Games, for anyone, even for those who have other tournaments like Wimbledon in tennis, due to a tradition and a desire of any athlete, are something special. [Rafael Nadal told me] the Beijing Games were the best experience he had ever had, which he won thanks to the rest of the Spanish athletes and the atmosphere there.
Rafael Nadal’s performance in Indian Wells will show fans what they can expect from him this season and thus they are eagerly waiting for it.
More must-reads: