Rafael Nadal hit the court for practice ahead of his first match of the Madrid Open. He previously confirmed that he is playing for the last time in the Spanish capital.
The 37-year-old is battling poor form after months of inactivity due to an abdominal injury. He is unsure of what lies ahead, having previously hinted that 2023 could be his last season.
That doesn’t mean the 22-time Grand Slam champion will sit quietly. Knowing that he is in the twilight of his career, the tennis professional is making the best use of the time on his hands by playing as many matches as possible.
He hit the courts for practice on his home soil, probably for the last time ahead of his first-round match against America’s Darwin Blanch on Thursday (April 25).
Watch the video here:
Nadal and Blanch are set to lock horns for the first time in their career.
Rafael Nadal uncertain over French Open participation
Rafael Nadal is a record 14-time French Open champion. No one has dominated on the red dirt like him, and as many were expecting him to show his formidable side on his favorite surface, Nadal ended up making disheartening revelations.
In the press conference ahead of his first-round match at the Madrid Open, the Spaniard confirmed that he is playing in Madrid for the last time. Along with that, he is contemplating whether to play in Paris or not, claiming he is not able to give his best.
If I were in Paris today, I wouldn’t go out to play. I don’t think I’ll be able to play at 100%, 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. Rafael Nadal said
Before the Madrid Open, Nadal tried his luck at the Barcelona Open but disappointedly got knocked out in his second-round match by Australia’s Alex de Minaur. The 37-year-old played after 11 months at the Brisbane International this January but ended up suffering an abdominal niggle.
His hip flexor injury during the 2023 Australian Open made him miss the rest of the year. Had he remained healthy, he could have added his 15th Roland Garros title to his trophy cabinet.
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