Rafael Nadal Expresses Uncertainty About Participating in the French Open

Rafael Nadal expressed uncertainty about his participation in the French Open, possibly for the last time. This comes after his loss to Hubert Hurkacz in the second round of the Italian Open on Saturday. According to the ATP Tour, Nadal stated, "The decision to compete at the French Open is not definite in my mind at the moment."

I will be in Roland Garros and try my best. If I have to say how I feel and which way my mind is leaning, that's what I will choose.

Nadal faced a tough 6-1 6-3 loss to world No. 9 Hurkacz in Rome, possibly marking his final appearance at a tournament he has dominated with 10 victories. His ongoing battle with injuries, stemming from hip surgery last season, continues to hinder his comeback efforts.

He mentioned in May last year that 2024 could be his final year on tour. This means that the upcoming French Open could be his last opportunity to compete at a tournament that he will always be linked with, a tournament that he excelled in during his prime.

Nadal has won the Italian Open 10 times during his career.

Nadal has won the Italian Open 10 times during his career.

Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters

The 37-year-old Spaniard has won a record 14 titles at Roland Garros, with his most recent victory in 2022. However, he had to pull out of the tournament last year due to an injury, marking the first time he missed the event since his debut in 2005.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Nadal discussed the two approaches he could take for this year's French Open.

One way to approach this situation is to acknowledge that you may not be ready or performing at your best. At that point, it may be necessary to consider not competing in Roland Garros. Another option is to accept your current state and focus on working hard to improve within the next two weeks.

While there are some physical challenges that I am facing, they may not be severe enough to justify missing out on the most significant event in my tennis career.

Let's check in on how I'm feeling mentally tomorrow, the day after, and one week from now. If I feel up to it, I'll give it a shot and continue fighting for what I've been working towards for the past 15 years, even if it feels like a tough challenge right now.

Editor's P/S:

Rafael Nadal's uncertain participation in the French Open, a tournament he has dominated with 14 titles, has raised concerns about his future in the sport. Nadal's recent loss to Hubert Hurkacz in the Italian Open has prompted him to question his ability to compete at the highest level. Injuries have continued to plague the 37-year-old Spaniard, and his hip surgery last season has hindered his comeback efforts.

Nadal's decision to participate in the French Open will hinge on his physical and mental state. If he feels he is not ready or performing at his best, he may consider withdrawing from the tournament. However, if he accepts his current limitations and focuses on improving in the next two weeks, he may decide to give it a shot and continue fighting for his 15th Roland Garros title. Nadal's decision will have a significant impact on the tournament and on his legacy as the greatest clay-court player of all time.