‘Have to See It That Way’ – Rafael Nadal Says He Is Not Using the Madrid Open as a Build up for Roland Garros

Rafael Nadal is not considering Madrid and Rome as a preparation ground for the upcoming Roland Garros. Being out of the court since the Indian Wells after a rib injury, Nadal is back at the Madrid Masters. This year, he will eye a record 14th Roland Garros title. However, being out because of the injury, Nadal is kicking off his road to Roland Garros late this time.

Whit the Madrid Open already in progress, one would unquestionably expect Nadal to be eying his 6th title at the tournament. One would also expect Nadal to consider this as a major tournament for preparation, as he has already missed Monte Carlo and Barcelona. However, thinking much about everyone’s expectations, Nadal is planning to do what he finds apt at this moment.

Rafael Nadal on considering Madrid as a preparation ground for Paris

Recently, in an interview, Nadal was asked about the result that will satisfy him when he leaves Madrid. Going down the history line, a classic Nadal would have undoubtedly been satisfied only with a title win at the event. However, coming fresh from injury, the current Nadal feels the other way round.

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Answering the question with thought, Nadal confessed he feels improved. However, opposite to what one would have expected, Nadal also admitted that he is not considering any tournament as preparation for Roland Garros. Rather, he asserted of playing the tournaments because of his love towards them.

He said, “Just feeling that I’ve improved. I’m not keen on considering any tournament as preparation [for RG in this case], as they mean so much for me & the history of our sport.”

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Nadal had been out of the tour for more than a month. Playing his first tournament since the Indian Wells, Nadal reasoned his previous statement saying, “Unfortunately this year I have to see it that way ’cause of what’s happened & we have to accept it.”

Nadal at the Madrid Open

Rafael Nadal is ready to kick off his 2022 clay-court season at the Madrid Open. Entering the draw as the third seed, the 5-time champion and 3-time finalist received a first-round bye. Looking in good shape in the practice sessions, Nadal will kick off his 2022 ATP Masters 1000 Mutua Madrid Open campaign from the second-round.

In the second round, he will face the winner of Alexander Bublik and Miomir Kecmanovic. If all goes well, he will face Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals, and Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.