Rafael Nadal shares what he’s finding ‘difficult’ at Swedish Open as he provides fitness update

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Rafael Nadal issued a positive fitness update ahead of his return to singles action at the Bastad Open.

The great Spaniard has not played since the French Open and he is stepping up his preparation to compete at his third and likely final Olympic Games.

He even skipped the Wimbledon Championships to best protect his body to return to Roland Garros and compete for another Olympic medal.

The 37-year-old is competing in the doubles competition alongside Casper Ruud to bolster his sharpness to play alongside Carlos Alcaraz at the Olympics in the men’s doubles.

What did Rafael Nadal say about his fitness?

Nadal arrived in Sweden several days before the Bastad Open to adjust to the conditions before competing in the tournament.

Though the 22-time Grand Slam champion is pleased with his physical fitness, he expressed some concerns with the court and the balls being used ahead of competing at the event for the first time since 2005.

“Good. More or less okay. I feel enough well that if I am here, it is because I am well. I don’t know what is going on in the future but what is going on today is that I am excited to be in Bastad,” he told reporters.

“It is going to be a tough week, I think the conditions are a bit difficult for me. The court is quite heavy and the ball is not helping a lot. But that’s part of the game and I think I had a good month of practice, without a doubt.”

Who will Rafael Nadal play at the Bastad Open?

Nadal is set to open his first Bastad Open campaign in 19 years against Leo Borg, the son of 11–time Grand Slam champion, Bjorn Borg.

The 21-year-old was handed a wildcard to compete in his home event and he is ready to face his childhood hero.

Nadal is excited to be back playing on clay and is eager to build some form and confidence ahead of the Olympic Games.

“I didn’t play many sets but I was always to play some sets last week and this week,” the former World number one added.

“I am happy to be playing on clay and I am excited to be playing in the Olympics at Roland Garros in two weeks, so that gives me some special motivation.”