Monte-Carlo Masters: Worrying Rafael Nadal Update Surfaces on the Eve of the Draw Ceremony

The enigma of Rafael Nadal’s tennis comeback persists. After announcing his withdrawal from the Qatar Open, he said, “My hope is to play the clay season in acceptable conditions, and today’s decision is aimed at that. I’m talking about being healthy, not being competitive.” But as the first Masters of the clay season kicks off in Monte-Carlo next week, he may still not have reached those “acceptable conditions” physically.

Since the beginning of this year, one of the biggest questions has been the 37-year-old’s comeback. Tournament after tournament, the tennis community has received statements of Nadal’s withdrawal one after the other. Although the King of Clay playing the Netflix Slam against Carlos Alcaraz a month ago was a positive sign, a recent update about the Monte-Carlo Masters has put his participation in question.

Just a day before the draws for the tournament were to be made, Pau Ferragut, a collaborator with the Spanish publication Diario de Mallorca, tweeted, “Latest news I had yesterday from Nadal team is that he hasn’t yet decided to play in Monte-Carlo. All other speculations are still officially unconfirmed.” The 22-time Grand Slam champion had originally intended to return to the Monte-Carlo Masters after withdrawing from Indian Wells. However, after this update, it seems unlikely.

Having won the Monte-Carlo Master a record 11 times, it’s no secret that it’s one of Nadal’s favorite tournaments. Apart from the fact that it’s statistically one of his best events, it’s also been a crucial event in the lead-up to the French Open. Interestingly, on 9 of 11 occasions that he’s won the Monaco tournament, he’s gone on to win at Roland Garros. That said, Nadal’s decision to withdraw from the tournament would be a major blow to his hopes of winning the French Open for a record-extending 15th time.

His absence from the principality would mean he would have less time to get into the competitive rhythm and prepare for Roland Garros. (Although he is Rafa Nadal. And beating him on Philippe-Chatrier has become a feat that’s close to impossible). That said, if he does decide to withdraw from Monte-Carlo, it could possibly cast dark clouds over a major update on his future, something he hinted at in February.

“I will assume the minimum risks to be able to play Roland Garros in an optimal way,” he said. While that makes sense in his bid for that 15th crown, he added, “This is going to be my last year but I don’t confirm it 100%. I will go day by day. I’ll say it before Roland Garros. I give myself a few months of caution.” In what could potentially be the Spaniard’s final season on the tour, he’ll also get the chance to compete for a second Olympic singles gold. On his favorite surface.

For the first time since the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the tennis event will be held on clay courts. And not just any clay courts. Tennis at the Paris Olympics will be played at Stade Roland Garros just two months after the French Open. There’s no doubt that the King of Clay would want to make the most of both opportunities. However, for the 22-time Grand Slam champion, his main objective is very clear, as he revealed before the Indian Wells Masters.

Rafael Nadal’s clear objective over his tennis return 

A few months ago, in a conversation regarding his comeback and constant withdrawals from the tournaments one after the other, the Spaniard opened up about what he’s actually looking for rather than playing tournaments. He said, “The first objective is to try to compete. I go day by day. I am working hard… but I can’t guarantee anything. At no time have I stopped training, I am trying at all times.” 

Despite losing the Netflix Slam to Alcaraz, he demonstrated glimpses of vintage Rafa, even coming close to winning. Although his 20-year-old compatriot won the event, Nadal’s performance included exquisite footwork and a return to the aggressive style that earned him so much success over his 24-year career.

Where do you think Rafa will make his comeback? Could 2024 be his final year on the ATP Tour? Let us know in the comments!

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