Since Rafael Nadal sustained a hip injury at the 2023 Australian Open, his tennis future has been cast into unpredictability and oblivion. After multiple recent withdrawals from tournaments, tennis great Mats Wilander believes that he’s doing his best, but any injury in this period will end his career.
For almost a year and a half, Nadal has played in only four matches due to injury. After missing 11 months of 2023, the 37-year-old comeback this year took the spotlight. At Brisbane International in January, he reached the quarterfinals after suffering a muscle problem. That saw him withdraw from the Australian Open.
With hopes of returning for the Indian Wells Masters imminent, the Spanish legend pulled out at the last minute. However, there were hopes he would make it for the clay season, beginning with the Monte Carlo Masters, which he had competed in 19 years, from 2004 to 2021. But, those hopes were smashed when he pulled out a few days ago, stating he was not 100% ready.
During an interview with Eurosport, Wilander wasn’t positive either about Nadal’s chances of a proper comeback. He feels that if Nadal pushes himself too much, an injury can end his career.
I think that the best part of Rafael Nadal's tennis right now is that he's really trying. He's very keen to come back. I like that he's not pushing himself unless he's feeling very close to 100% because if he injures himself past a certain point, he's not coming Australian Open. He's 38-years-old this year. He's not going to come back. There's no way. You can't come back at 42. I think he's playing it carefully.said Mats Wilander via Eurosport
With no fixed tournament for Nadal, he may likely play at the Paris Olympics, which he has often said was part of his goal in 2024.
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Wilander’s worries for Nadal might be reduced after hearing the Spaniard’s uncle’s take on his nephew’s comeback. Rafael Nadal’s uncle Toni Nadal recently revealed that either the Spaniard goes into a tournament 100% or he doesn’t participate. This is coming after the 22-Grand Slam winner withdrew from the Monte Carlo Masters.
Especially when it comes to taking out because he doesn't have any problems with everything else when he trains. Either you go one hundred percent or better not participate. (He needs to) play some previous tournament to be able to make a good Roland Garros.said Toni while speaking to Cadena SER
Nevertheless, the recent setback is indeed a big blow to Nadal’s hopes of featuring at Roland Garros for potentially the last time. The French Open is set to start on May 20, just over a month for the tournament’s greatest champion to pace up his recovery.
