Rafael Nadal, who has won the French Open a record 14 times, is back at Roland Garros on Monday to train and consider whether to enter the competition.
The public Court Philippe Chatrier was the venue where the 37-year-old Spaniard turned up late in the afternoon with his coach, Carlos Moya, and a few sparring partners.
At the main stadium of the French Open, some 6,000 spectators were there and enthusiastically cheered Nadal on as he hit the court. Following an approximately one and a half hour practice, Rafael Nadal signed a number of autographs before vanishing via a doorway and entering a tunnel that led to the dressing rooms.
Nadal had the opportunity to test his fitness and acquaint himself with Roland Garros’ red clay, having not played a match there in the previous two years, during the training session.
It’s still unclear if Rafael Nadal will compete in the competition, which starts on Sunday.
After missing almost all of 2023 due to a hip injury that necessitated surgery and a large portion of this season due to issues with an abdominal and hip muscle, he is still working to be match ready.
After losing to Hubert Hurkacz 6-1, 6-3 in his most recent encounter at the Italian Open, Rafael Nadal wasn’t sure if he was ready for the French Open.
In Rome, Rafael Nadal remarked, “Let’s see what’s going on, how I feel myself mentally tomorrow, after tomorrow, and in one week.” “If I feel ready, I (am) going to try to be there and fight for the things that I have been fighting (for for) the last 15 years, (even) if now (that) seems impossible.”
Nadal had not yet disclosed if he would play in Paris as of Monday. Since he is anticipated to be finishing his career on the circuit, this will be his last time competing in a tournament that he has won more times than any other tennis player has ever won a Grand Slam title.
Having won the French Open in 2022, he now has 22 major titles total, second only to Novak Djokovic’s 24.
Nadal’s hip prevented him from competing in the French Open last year.
