“It took him a while,” Richard Gasquet provides fitness updates on Rafael Nadal after their combined practice

Rafael Nadal is all set to make a comeback with Brisbane Interational.

“It took him a while,” Richard Gasquet provides fitness updates on Rafael Nadal after their combined practice

Rafael Nadal and Richard Gasquet (Image via X)

French tennis player Richard Gasquet who has spent ample amount of time against Rafael Nadal on the tennis court has shared his views on the Spaniard’s level of fitness. As the 37-year-old is ready to make a comeback after a long layoff due to injuries, Nadal is practicing hard to be match-ready.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner initially practiced in Kuwait where he was seen in full flow. Nadal got the best out of Arthur Fils who was seen smashing his racket onto the court after losing to the Spanish ace. Now, after spending enough time on the outdoor courts, Nadal has moved his practice sessions to indoor courts.

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Nadal seems to be working on the temperament aspect of his game as he is picking and choosing his opponents for practice. Among many, it was Richard Gasquet’s turn to challenge the Spaniard. While the results are not known, Gasquet has provided a major fitness assessment for Nadal as he claims that the 22-time Grand Slam champion is no longer in pain.

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Rafa told me that it took him a while to come back, but I felt that he was no longer in pain. He will be competitive and he will win matches, there is no doubt! He is doing long 3-hour sessions. That's what you need to do, play as much as possible.
Richard Gasquet told L’equipe.

Will Rafael Nadal be able to redeem his old self?

While Rafael Nadal is working really hard to regain match fitness and the 37-year-old seems to be making really good progress in this regard, the question about his complete fitness continues to loom over. Fans and experts are worried if Nadal will be able to redeem his old self or not.

Rafael Nadal Paris Olympics
Rafael Nadal (Image via Getty)

The answer to this question can be given only after Nadal returns to the tour and starts playing regularly. Although he is said to have gained good fitness after assessing his agility in practice sessions, it would be difficult to predict if he would fare the same way in a real-match scenario.

Rafael Nadal was considered one of the biggest threats to his opponents for his ability to move quickly across the court. While the 37-year-old still might have the same raging bull mentality, Nadal’s body does not align with his temperament. The consistent injuries and surgeries have significantly affected his health.

It will be interesting to see if Nadal can pull off something like he did in 2022. However, the chances for the same also seem dull considering he has only grown older since then period. Nevertheless, whatever it may be, Nadal’s comeback is much anticipated and the Spaniard would look to give his best even if it is not of the same level as his past.

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