Big test on Saturday! Can Nadal make the step up and decide to play in the French Open?

He hasn’t been through this many fights in a long time. Rafael Nadal is trying to make further progress in Madrid and is also testing his form here. What will decide his participation at Roland Garros, where the tennis legend would like to say goodbye with dignity?

Nadal and his return

His return has been in the air for several months. Rafael Nadal returned to the ATP carousel last week in Barcelona. And he certainly didn’t disappoint in the result.

The 37-year-old defeated Italian Cobolli in the first round and also tried a match at the highest level. In the next round, he faced Alex de Minaur, the world’s top player.

The Spaniard fell in the match after sets 5:7, 1:6. He was satisfied with his game in the first set. ” I couldn’t follow up in the second set,” he said .

Saturday’s rematch

Nadal tests his form and what his body can handle. He is patient and knows that the desired condition may not come. The fate of the tournament in Madrid gives him a good opportunity for comparison. For after a smooth victory over the 16-year-old American, he will play De Minaur again on Saturday.

The Spaniard himself welcomes the chance to play the same opponent again. The latter is considered one of the fastest players on the circuit and will certainly not give Nadal anything for free.

This will be the fourth competitive match in two weeks for the former world number one. He hasn’t played this many matches in a year and a half. But the main objective of his actions is obvious.

French Open 2024

Nadal would like to have a dignified farewell at the Grand Slam in Paris. The French Open is a matter of his heart. The king of clay has won the title here 14 times, an unprecedented number.

But he can’t confirm his participation in his second major of the season this year. But we know when he is likely to do so. “I don’t plan to decide here, I will do it after the tournament in Rome,” he says.

The Masters in Rome is scheduled for May 8. We’ll see how well the Mallorcan defends his result from Madrid.

Source: ATP, MMOpen