WATCH: Rafael Nadal WHIMPERS in pain with his hands on knees during practice indicating his French Open dream in virtually over
Rafael Nadal's recent video raises questions regarding his current state as the Spaniard looks quite exhausted after his practice session.
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Rafael Nadal (Image via: Pinterest)
Rafael Nadal’s French Open dream run is quite questionable, looking at his current state. His recent video surfaces, in which the Spaniard is seen completely exhausted during his practice session. The 36-year-old has been away from the tennis court since his second-round exit at the Australian Open. With the start of the clay season, the Spanish player was forced to withdraw from Barcelona, Madrid, and Rome due to persisting injury issues.
As Roland Garros is just two weeks away, his expected comeback is still in questionable shape. Even Toni Nadal and his coach, Carlos Moya, have already stated that Nadal’s condition is not perfectly ideal for competing. In spite of that, they are still supporting his decision to return for the Grand Slam.
A recent video surfaced on the internet showing the Roland Garros defending champion facing some discomfort during his practice session. The 22-time Grand Slam champion looked as if he was dealing with quite a bit of pain and fatigue at the end of a hard practice. After witnessing the scene, the tennis world claimed that Nadal had not fully recovered from his psoas injury.
With lots of speculation and questions regarding his comeback, many have shown faith in Nadal’s ability to change the course of events. Roger Federer stated that he is quite hopeful that the Spanish player will be fit to play at the French Open.
“It will be brutal yes. It’ll be tough for tennis if Rafa is not going to be there. I still hope so [that he makes it], I saw he pulled out of Rome so I wish him the best”, he said to Sky Sports at the Miami Grand Prix.
On the other hand, the American teenager Coco Gauff had nothing but admiration and appreciation for the ‘King of Clay’. She stated that even though he hasn’t played a single match of the clay season, the Roland Garros defending champion will be a challenge.
“I don’t think he needs match experience. I’m sure he probably would have preferred to play some matches before. He and Roland Garros is something special. I made the mistake of doubting him (last year). Next thing you know, he pretty much stormed his way to the final and won in straight sets”, she stated at the press conference in Italy.
A glance at Rafael Nadal’s campaign at the 2022 Roland Garros
Rafael Nadal’s run at last year’s French Open was nothing short of outstanding glory. The 36-year-old stunned the world when he claimed back-to-back Grand Slam titles after his grand victory at the Australian Open. The Spaniard won his 14th Roland Garros title after defeating the Norwegian player, Casper Ruud, in straight sets. His perfect triumph crowned him with a record of 22 Grand Slam trophies. This placed him ahead of Roger Federer in the race for Grand Slam titles and on par with Novak Djokovic.
“For me personally, it is very difficult to describe the feelings that I have. It is something that I have never believed. To be here at 36, being competitive again on the most important court of my career. One more title means a lot. It means a lot of energy to try and keep going…I don’t know what can happen in the future but I am going to keep fighting to try and keep going”, he said during the trophy ceremony.
Nadal’s outstanding achievement showcased his iconic ‘bull mentality’ and he also expressed his gratitude to his team, family, and amazing fans.
“Team, family, everyone who is there. It is amazing the things that are happening this year. I just thank you very, very much for all the things you are doing for me and over the years. Without you, none of this would be possible, without any doubt. Especially in the very tough moments we went through with injuries”, he further added.
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Vitasta Singh
(691 Articles Published)