“He feels capable of winning another Roland-Garros if…” John McEnroe believes Rafael Nadal still has what it takes to win French Open again

Rafael Nadal is now focused on playing at the Paris Olympics after Roland Garros exit.

“He feels capable of winning another Roland-Garros if…” John McEnroe believes Rafael Nadal still has what it takes to win French Open again

Rafael Nadal and John McEnroe (Via Imago)

Rafael Nadal’s defeat against Alexander Zverev at the Roland Garros has left many fans and pundits wondering whether he would win any more titles. Despite his age and form, American legend John McEnroe feels that the Spaniard is capable of winning another French Open.

Nadal has won the French Open a record 14 times in his illustrious career. Dubbed the ‘King of Clay’ he has lost only four times at the Roland Garros winning 112 matches. However, his latest defeat came at a time when he needed a win to boost his confidence. He succumbed to a disappointing loss against Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the opening round of the clay major event.

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Nonetheless, since his return from injury this year, Nadal has struggled with his body. The 22-time Grand Slam champion withdrew from three tournaments before eventually forcing himself to play at the Barcelona Open. His major success on clay this season was at the Madrid Open, where he won three matches reaching the round of 16.

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He was expecting to play better at the French Open after training hard but his opponent Zverev was too good for him. John McEnroe believes the Spaniard still has what it takes to win the French Open next year.

First of all, at this point he can do whatever he wants. He has won so much that it can be difficult for him to lose. But I remain convinced that he can still win. I believe he feels capable of winning another Roland-Garros if he is in good health. He could do it. But the key is to get back on top physically,"
John McEnroe said via lequipe

Meanwhile, Nadal will be turning 38 in June, which may likely make it more difficult for him to participate in the 2025 Roland Garros, considering his age and body.

Rafael Nadal reveals short-term goal after Roland Garros early exit

Following a Roland Garros early exit, Rafael Nadal has laid out his short-term goal, which is to play at the Paris Olympics. Though, the Spaniard dreams of playing after the Olympics which starts from July 27 to August 4, there is a little chance it may be his last.

However, despite his confidence ahead of the Paris Olympics, he is hoping not to face a tough opponent in the early rounds like he did at the Roland Garros.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal in the post-match interview (Via Imago)
I’m confident I’ll be well prepared when I get there, but at the Olympic Games I’ll be in the same situation I’m in now. I could face anyone in the first round.
Rafael Nadal told the reporters via ATP

It is worth noting that, Nadal won his first singles gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Eight years later, he won the doubles gold at the Rio Olympics.

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