Rafael Nadal has enjoyed a steady return to fitness in recent weeks, and although his run in Barcelona was short, it was simply a joy to see him back on clay.
Now back in Madrid, it feels like these tournaments are all just building towards the big one next month: the French Open.
In what is expected to be his last time competing at his beloved competition, the hope is that he can recapture the level that has seen him dominate there so many times over the years, for one last dance.
However, it is unlikely that Roland Garros will be his final foray onto Philippe Chatrier, with the Paris Olympics set to provide him with more time on his favoured surface.
Rafael Nadal’s plans with Carlos Alcaraz before the Olympics
Speaking on the Mutua Madrid Open Instagram, all of the talk in the past week has been regarding his potential doubles partnership with Carlos Alcaraz at that upcoming Olympics.
Both have offered their respective verdicts on the pairing, with the youngster even all but confirming their plans, provided they both stay fit.
Well, now Nadal has weighed in, suggesting that the two might have to do one thing together before the actual games begin.
He noted, when asked about Alcaraz’s anxiety regarding asking him to play: ‘No, he doesn’t have to ask me anything. It’s also hugely exciting for me. If I’m not mistaken, it is for him, too.
‘It would be amazing to play a tournament together before the Olympics. To prepare ourselves and get some rapport on court. I think if we’re both fit enough, why not? We could have the chance to form a great team and aspire to great things. It’d be good for both of us. I think it’d also be good for the Spanish team. We’ll see how things progress.
‘I hope to be good enough to be a good partner for him, I’m sure he will be for me. We’ll see where that takes us. I also hope to be able to work together a bit first.’
What ranking is Rafael Nadal now?
Having unsurprisingly reached the world number one across his illustrious trophy-laden career, it is quite sad to see how he has fallen.
However, it was inevitable given the absence he was forced into, as he desperately sought to recover from a slew of injuries.
Now, as of the 15th of April, the Spaniard is actually the 644th-ranked player in the entire world.
But we all know he is at a level far above that, regardless of his current form.
A strong showing in a few Masters tournaments should see that rating take a swift upturn, before Roland Garros represents an immense opportunity to fly up the table.
But he will not care now. It is arguably too late for him to dream of dominating tennis again.
All he will crave is a fitting end to what has been a stunning career, and hopefully a fine run of form leading up to the French Open can provide that.
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