French Open Update: Rafael Nadal Still Ambiguous on Roland Garros Participation Despite Playing 4 Matches at Madrid Open

After 4 matches, Rafael Nadal has been eliminated from the Madrid Open. However, the tennis world is happy with his longest run in 2024. Rafa lost to Jiri Lehecka 7-6, 6-4. Although he showed great tennis skills in the tournament, he is still unsure of whether he will participate in the Roland Garros. He talked about the time he’ll make the decision to appear in the French Open after his exit.

Ever since Rafa returned to Tour earlier this year, there has only been one question in the mind of fans: Will he play in the French Open? The King of Clay himself has not been too confident about the situation of his participation, and his comments after the Madrid Open exit do not give much insight either. 

After his loss to Lehecka in the round of 16, Rafa said, “I’m still not sure about Roland Garros. I was able to play four matches here. I leave Madrid with a much better feeling compared to when I arrived. It’s tough to imagine doing big things with the level I’m playing, but in sports all change very fast”. Sadly, Rafa is speaking from experience, as he has had to withdraw from several tournaments this year. 

Rafael Nadal himself is taking it step-by-step. “I’m going to Rome hoping to get better. After Rome I will decide about Roland Garros”. Rafa, being at rank 512 at the moment, will not get a bye in the Italian Open either. 

The professional will aim to obtain his optimum strength and health before he can dominantly take the clay terrain. As the 22-time grand slam champion is unsure of his participation in the French Open, many shared their thoughts, including the former coach of Roger Federer.

Roger Federer’s former coach believes Rafael Nadal will play French Open only if he can ‘get to the bottom’

Nadal has stated that he will only compete in the French Open if he feels healthy. With the injuries he has encountered in the last few weeks, the cloud of uncertainty looms thick over his participation. Meanwhile, Ivan Ljubicic, the 45-year-old former professional has faith that he will compete. “We’re seeing him for 20 years, we know his champion mentality. Like Federer at Wimbledon, he will only play in Paris if he thinks he can get to the bottom, not to make a presence.”

He further added, “If he says so it means that he is not in condition. He knows very well what he needs, let’s see if in the weeks here missing he will find the right feelings.”

Rafael Nadal did not show any trouble in playing a match to the best of his abilities, even ousting Alex De Minaur in the round of 64. With more matches under his belt in Rome, he just might participate where he is the best.