“He has no choice,” Rafael Nadal’s recovery sends him into Indian Wells, but is the Spanish ace prepared? Hear it from uncle Toni Nadal

Rafael Nadal has already reached the Indian Wells Tennis Garden to prepare for the upcoming BNP Paribas Open.

“He has no choice,” Rafael Nadal’s recovery sends him into Indian Wells, but is the Spanish ace prepared? Hear it from uncle Toni Nadal

Rafael Nadal (L), Toni Nadal (R) (Sources: IMAGO)

Participating in the Indian Well is more of a compulsion than a mere choice now for Rafael Nadal. At least, this is what his uncle Toni Nadal said. In a recent interview, the tennis coach answered about the Spaniard’s campaign in 2024. Toni Nadal also spoke of his nephew’s preparedness ahead of the BNP Paribas Open. The answer presented fans with a new perspective on Nadal’s participation in the 2024 Indian Wells. 

It is no news that Rafael Nadal is currently in the twilight of his career. The hip flexor injury that he suffered in the 2023 Australian Open, if anything, just fastened his retirement. Being away from the court for one full year was indeed a big blow for him. Nadal made his much-awaited comeback at the 2024 Brisbane International. However, he suffered a muscle issue during his quarterfinal match against Jordan Thompson, which ruled him out of the Australian Open. 

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This is what Toni Nadal said about Rafael’s participation in Indian Wells:

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It's that he (Rafael Nadal) needs to compete. He has no choice. He hasn't done it for too long. And of course, if you don't compete, you can't be prepared.
Toni Nadal via as.com

Long lay-off can hamper the form of any tennis player. Hence, Toni Nadal wanted his nephew to return to active competition to regain fitness and form. Considering the fact that Nadal’s ultimate goal remains to play at the French Open, he does not have many tournaments at hand. Thus, Indian Wells is an ideal tournament for him to make his comeback. 

Toni Nadal speculates on whether this will be Rafael Nadal’s last year playing on the tour 

Rafael Nadal has only played in Brisbane International this season so far. His uncle, Toni, thought that Nadal did decent in that tournament. He defeated Dominic Thiem and Jason Kubler in the first two rounds before falling out to Jordan Thompson in the quarterfinal. Besides that, he had seen him train at the academy.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

With all things considered, Toni Nadal felt that the 22-time Grand Slam winner could compete well in the upcoming tournament. This is what Toni Nadal said:

Yes, yes, very positive, because after so long without competing, I think he played at a good level. I see him training at the academy, and I think that's how it is.
Toni Nadal via as.com

Moreover, Toni Nadal gave fans hope by saying that Nadal’s retirement might get delayed. However, that will solely depend on how Nadal felt at the end of this season and they will have to wait to know that. Nevertheless, fans remain excited to witness the Spaniard return to action soon.

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