Rafael Nadal has to cancel the next tournament. Will he even come back? A confidant gives hope
Despite the cancellation of the Masters 1000 tournament in Monte-Carlo next week, Toni Nadal still believes that Rafael Nadal will make a comeback.
“Rafa has problems with his serve, otherwise he has no problems,” said Rafael Nadal’s uncle according to the Spanish sports newspaper “Marca”. He is therefore confident that the 22-time Grand Slam champion will be able to take part in the tournaments in Barcelona and Madrid this month.
With a view to the French Open in Paris at the end of May, this is also urgently necessary, said Toni Nadal, who was Rafael Nadal’s coach for a long time. “Either you go there one hundred percent or you better not take part. Playing any tournament beforehand is important to have a good Roland Garros,” said Toni Nadal.
Rafael Nadal (37) had previously announced his withdrawal from the first important clay court tournament of the season in Monte-Carlo next week, fueling speculation that his career could soon come to an end. “My body just won’t allow it,”
Nadal had canceled all tournament appearances after the Australian Open in January 2023 due to a long-term hip injury. This year, the Spaniard made his comeback before the first Grand Slam tournament of the year in Brisbane, but was injured again there and has not played a match since.
The Spaniard had already announced last year that 2024 would most likely be his last year on the tennis tour. In addition to the French Open, Nadal has set himself the Olympic Games in Paris as a major goal for his supposed farewell season.
