Rafael Nadal is back in action later today, but it feels like Rome is merely yet another precursor for his real big event of the season.
After all, Roland Garros kicks into action later this month, and the 37-year-old will have grand ambitions of enjoying one last run in the competition before he calls time on a sparkling, legendary career in tennis.
Naturally, people are clamouring to get one last look at him before that eventuality occurs, and with many of the top players suffering from various ailments, the prospective draw has arguably never looked so open.
However, Nadal is still hoping for these stars to make full recoveries, as he still wants to play the very best on his favoured surface and at his favoured tournament.
Rafael Nadal outlines his dream Roland Garros opponents
Speaking ahead of the Rome Open, where he kickstarts his campaign later today against the Belgian Zizou Bergs, the 37-year-old’s attention was actually on his next tournament.
And with good reason, given it marks his return and potential final appearance at Roland Garros.
It feels like Nadal’s comeback trail has been leading to this particular moment, and having enjoyed a steady upturn in form and fitness across two clay-court competitions already, things are looking promising.
He too is even starting to believe in himself more it seems, with his confidence in his body arguably having not been so strong in years.
To best exemplify this, he has actually issued a rallying call to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, claiming that he actually hopes to meet one of, or both of the world number two and three, at the French Open.
He told the press: ‘That’s it. I wish him [Sinner], and Carlos of course, all the best and I wish to meet them in Roland Garros.’
Rafael Nadal can beat anyone at the French Open
Whilst he may be coming to the twilight of his career, with injuries having ravaged his past few years of playing, to write off Nadal at Roland Garros remains a hugely foolish thing.
Especially when he is making such positive strides on the court, having showcased a notable improvement going from Barcelona to Madrid in recent tournaments.
Now seeking to enjoy a deep run in Rome, it does feel like we are building towards a remarkable climax in Paris, where the Spaniard is the 14-time champion: a record that will likely never be broken at any Grand Slam.
Over the years Nadal has been written off, but as one pundit noted, there is nothing worse that you can do with players of his calibre.
The talent never departs, and with his physicality seemingly returning at the perfect time, it marks a scary prospect for everyone else in the draw.
Should he now manage another run of two, three or more matches in a row at Rome without injury, a deep run at Roland Garros might be the perfect fairytale way for him to end his remarkable career at this tournament.
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