Rafael Nadal is unsure about the French Open in his latest fitness bombshell: ‘I’m not going to play in Paris if…’ | Tennis news

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal cast fresh doubt on his participation in the French Open on Wednesday, stating that he could skip the tournament if he continues to feel the same way as he did before his first match at the Madrid Open. Nadal is scheduled to face American Darwin Blanch in the first round of the Madrid Open later on Thursday.

“The feelings have not been perfect this week. If it wasn’t Madrid, maybe I wouldn’t play. But there are a lot of emotions involved,” Nadal said.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next three weeks. I will continue fighting and doing the things I think I have to do to play in Paris. And if it is possible, then it is possible. If not, then no. I’m not going to play in Paris the way I feel today. “If it were Paris, I wouldn’t be playing.”

Nadal has already stated that this will likely be his last year on the tour and is aiming to be competitive one last time at Roland Garros, where he has won the title a record 14 times. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has also enjoyed considerable success in Madrid, claiming a record five titles in the Spanish capital; his most recent victory dates back to 2017.

“Hopefully I can play without many limitations,” Nadal said. “Then we’ll see what happens. If I play without limitations, even if I lose, it will be positive.”

Nadal, who underwent hip surgery last summer, lost to Alex de Minaur in the second round in Barcelona in what was his first tournament in more than three months.

“The goal is to be on the court. Enjoy it for as long as possible,” she said. “I mean, that’s the thing. Try to finish the tournament physically alive, and enjoy the fact that I will be able to compete once again on the professional circuit and here at home, in Madrid, a place that gives me everything, no, in terms of support. .”

He said he is giving himself “a chance” and hopes to “find better sensations” in his body in the future.

“I do not lose the hope. “I just accept the situation I have today,” Nadal said. “I mean, I’m not playing bad. It’s about more bodily limitations. … That hasn’t allowed me to compete the way I would like to.”

(With contributions from AP)