Rafael Nadal’s participation in the Monte-Carlo Masters competition next week is still under question, but his management is likely to provide official confirmation soon.
Since making his tennis comeback in a Brisbane tournament in January, Rafael Nadal has not participated in an ATP Tour event.
After missing nearly all of 2023 due to a hip injury, the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s encouraging performances in that competition fueled hopes that he could regain some of his best form.
However, Nadal hasn’t participated in a competitive match since that Brisbane event. He withdrew from the Australian Open shortly after losing to Jordan Thompson of Australia.
Subsequently, Nadal was scheduled to compete at the Qatar Open; however, he was forced to withdraw from both the Indian Wells Masters and that tournament due to a back issue.
The 11-time Monte-Carlo winner may now be forced to withdraw from the competition next week, according to circulating rumors on social media. Some even speculate that he would even miss the tournament in Barcelona the following week.
The rumors that Rafael Nadal might not be totally fit for what he hopes will be the start of what could be his final season on his preferred clay surface have been fueled by the paucity of film showing him practicing in recent days.
As worries about his back issue seem to be lingering, Rafael Nadal’s supporters are currently waiting to find out if their idol will be prepared to compete in just his second tournament of the year.
When Nadal acknowledges that his goals for this year have always been centered on this clay court swing and what he hoped would be an attempt to capture a record-extending 15th French Open championship, his aggravation will undoubtedly mount if he is forced to miss another of his favorite events.
“As I stated at the outset, becoming as healthy as possible for the next clay season is my first objective. Last month, Rafael Nadal stated, “I want to try to give myself the possibility to enjoy the clay season.”
“At this stage of my career, I have to evaluate my emotions, my whole state of mind, and the areas I most want to play.
“I’ll do everything in my power to increase my chances of achieving my goals. I want to pursue the things that truly bring me happiness.
“How did I picture saying goodbye? I didn’t envision it at first because, the closer you get to something, the more likely you are to imagine it. It was not what I was envisioning. I want to bid adieu to enjoying myself and being competitive on the court.
Time will tell whether or not that is possible. It’s clear that the weeks and months have shown me a difficult route. There are times when managing is challenging.
In other news…
Nadal withdraws from the Monte Carlo Masters due to an injury.
Due to a persistent ailment, Rafael Nadal withdrew from the Monte Carlo Masters on Thursday, prolonging his January-long absence and postponing the start of his clay-court tournament preparation in advance of the French Open.
After undergoing hip surgery in the summer, Rafael Nadal, 37, has only participated in three competitive matches this year, the latest one being in Brisbane before missing the Australian Open.
Although Nadal has won the Monte Carlo Masters eleven times, he has stated on social media that he will not be prepared to compete when the competition begins the following week.
In a statement, the 22-time Grand Slam champion said, “My body just won’t allow me.”
The Spanish player, who has a record 14 victories in the clay-court major, made no mention of the French Open in his remarks. The Roland Garros competition kicks out on May 25.
Nadal played an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas at the beginning of March, but he withdrew from the Indian Wells tournament a few days later.
He commented, “You cannot imagine how difficult it is for me to be unable to participate in these activities.” “My only option is to acknowledge the current state of affairs and focus on the near future while maintaining my enthusiasm and desire to play, as this will allow me to have a chance for improvement.”
