Rafael Nadal has been explaining how he’s felt in practice ahead of this evening’s first-round match at the Madrid Open.
It’s shaping up towards crunch time for Nadal ahead of what looks set to to be his final crack at the French Open.
The 14-time winner at Roland Garros is likely to play there once more and he will be desperate for injury issues not to stop him.
Nadal looks likely to call time on his career at some point this year but he’d dearly love one more go in Paris.
It’s been a frustrating few years for Nadal and now he’s looking to stay as fit as possible to finish his career as comfortably as he can.
Now, ahead of today’s first-round clash at the Madrid Open, Nadal delivered an update on his fitness.
Rafael Nadal explains how he’s feeling ahead of Madrid Open
The 37-year-old won’t get too many more chances to play in Spain and he will relish every outing in his home country.
Today he takes on American youngster Darwin Blanch an in fairness it’s a match that he should be looking to win.
However, he’s not been in the best of fitness and recently he was quizzed on that aspect as well as any planned tributes that might take place in Madrid.
Nadal told Record: “I’m a calm person. Nobody has to ask me about tributes. They will do what they want to do and I’m okay with that.”
Furthermore, journalist, Jose Morgado claims that he didn’t feel too fantastic in practice but has confirmed that he’s fit enough to play.
It’s thought that Nadal will play more for ‘personal reasons’ in Madrid and clearly he knows that his career is drawing to a close.
Nadal can still produce magic moments
It’s hard to imagine the modern game without Nadal playing regular tennis but once this year is out, that’s going to become the reality.
The player who has won 22 Grand Slam titles is a legend of the game and it will be a sad day when he does announce the inevitable.
In our view, it doesn’t feel entirely wise that Nadal is going to play the Madrid Open when ultimately, it doesn’t appear he’s overly fit.
Nadal should be able to get beyond Blanch and reach the round of 64 but it’s staying fit that’s the most important thing for the Spaniard right now.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
