Rafael Nadal is ending his career this year. © APA/afp / THOMAS COEX

The Last Dance: Is Nadal playing in Paris?

Tennis star Rafael Nadal will compete in Madrid this week, but his start at the French Open is apparently in doubt.

24 April 2024

From: dpa

“I won’t play in Paris if I feel like I do today,” said the 37-year-old Spaniard, who has been repeatedly plagued by injuries, on Wednesday in Madrid: “If it were Paris, I wouldn’t play.”

Nadal said he didn't know what would happen in the next three weeks: "I'll keep fighting and do the things that I think I have to do to play in Paris. And if it's possible, it's possible. If not, then not.” This week he doesn’t feel perfect.

Olympics as a last resort?

The French Open in Paris starts at the end of May. Nadal is a record champion with 14 titles. The clay court Grand Slam tournament is his big goal for what will probably be his last year on the tennis tour. Unlike in Madrid, the men at the French Open, like all Grand Slam tournaments, play over three winning sets. Nadal could also compete again in Paris at the Olympic Games this summer.

Nadal could also play again at the Olympics in Paris. © APA/afp / THOMAS COEX

The 22-time Grand Slam champion had already announced last year that his career would end in 2024. Nadal was repeatedly set back by injuries. Just last week, the former world number one made his comeback in Barcelona after a month-long injury break and was eliminated in the second round.

In Madrid this Thursday, Nadal will face the 16-year-old American Darwin Blanch in the first round. “Hopefully I can play without restrictions,” said the veteran. Even if he loses, that's positive.