Spanish tennis maestro Rafa Nadal is feeling optimistic about his resurgence in the sport following a series of injuries last year. The 14-time French Open title holder has been steadily advancing since returning to the court and is currently preparing for the Rome Masters as part of his build-up for Roland Garros.
Nadal, who has announced his intention to retire after this season, encountered a hip issue that necessitated surgery and more recently, a muscle tear in Brisbane that delayed his comeback in January. The 37-year-old made his comeback to the tour during the clay swing, competing in tournaments in Barcelona and Madrid, and is now poised to participate in his third event in a row in Rome.
In a recent interview, Nadal expressed contentment with his current progress, stating, “That didn’t happen since a super long time ago. That’s good news. I need to keep going. I need to keep exploring how I’ll be able to manage to play every day. But yeah, I’m happy the way that I feel today.”
Despite facing challenges in his last two tournaments and in his initial training session in Rome, Nadal remains hopeful. He acknowledged the difficulties he faced but emphasized that overall, his performance is on an upward trajectory. “But in general, the line’s going up, without a doubt,” he added. “Happy to be today where I am because one month ago for me it was almost impossible to think that I’ll be able to play in Barcelona, then in Madrid and now being here in Rome.”
Nadal also reflected on the unpredictability of matches on clay and the heightened level of difficulty, accepting the challenge that comes with it. With the French Open looming, he is committed to maintaining his cautious approach and avoiding unnecessary risks in matches.
The tennis world eagerly anticipates Nadal’s performance in the upcoming tournaments, and fans are hopeful for a successful return to form for the 22-time Grand Slam champion. As preparations continue for Roland Garros, all eyes will be on Nadal as he navigates his way through the Rome Masters and beyond.
The French Open is scheduled to commence on May 26, and Nadal’s dedicated preparation and positive outlook are indicative of his determination to make an impact in the upcoming major tournament. Tennis enthusiasts will undoubtedly be following his journey with great anticipation, eager to witness his return to peak form.