Madrid, Rafael Nadal, the Tennis legend, has decided to participate in the upcoming Madrid Open despite not being fully fit. The 22-time Grand Slam winner, who has won the Madrid title a record five times, acknowledged that his “sensations haven’t been perfect this week,” and expressed uncertainty about his readiness for the French Open later this month.
Nadal’s Commitment to the Madrid Open
“If it wasn’t Madrid, maybe I wouldn’t play. But there are a lot of emotions involved,” he said.
The 37-year-old admitted that he is not sure what the next three weeks will hold, but he is committed to fighting and doing what he believes is necessary to compete in Paris. However, he made it clear that he would not participate in the French Open if he feels the same way he does ahead of his Madrid debut.
Navigating Challenges and Limitations
Despite the challenges, Nadal remains hopeful that he can play without significant limitations in Madrid. “Hopefully I can play without many limitations,” he said. “Then we’ll see what happens. If I play without limitations, even if I lose, than it will be positive.”
Nadal, who had hip surgery last summer, recently made his return to the court at the Barcelona Open, where he suffered a second-round defeat against Alex de Minaur. The Tennis legend acknowledged that his “body feelings are not enough good to feel myself playing with free enough in terms of body issues,” which has hindered his ability to compete at his desired level.
Determined to Enjoy the Moment
Nevertheless, Nadal is determined to make the most of his time on the court and enjoy the opportunity to compete once more, especially in front of his home crowd in Madrid.
“The goal is be on court. Enjoy as long as possible,” he said. “I mean, that’s the thing. Try to finish the tournament alive in terms of body issues, and enjoy the fact that I will be able to compete one more time in the professional tour and here at home in Madrid, a place that give me everything, no, in terms of support.”
Despite the uncertainty, Nadal remains hopeful and is not losing hope.
“I don’t lose hope. I just accept the situation that I have today,” he said. “I mean, I am not playing bad. It’s about more body limitations.”
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