“Either you go 100% or better not participate,” Toni Nadal stands by Rafael Nadal’s decision to quit Monte Carlo following an array of health complications

Nadal, the 11-time champ in Monte Carlo, was expected to turn up for this year's Monte Carlo Masters but his injuries deny the fans a chance to see him for potentially the last time.

“Either you go 100% or better not participate,” Toni Nadal stands by Rafael Nadal’s decision to quit Monte Carlo following an array of health complications

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

Former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal left fans disappointed after his withdrawal from the 2024 Monte-Carlo Masters. An 11-time champion at the tournament, Nadal was hopeful of playing at the event after making a last-minute withdrawal from the Indian Wells Masters as well.

However, despite having nearly a month to prepare, he wasn’t fit enough to play in Monte-Carlo. This now means he has played just one tournament so far this season in what is feared to be his farewell season on the Tour. 

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The King of Clay was expected to have a busy season on the surface where he has had the most success in his career. But the setback for Monte Carlo is now worrisome. With eyes set on the French Open for his record-extending 15th title in Paris, the preparations haven’t started on a positive note.

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But despite another setback, Nadal’s uncle and former coach Toni Nadal is still optimist. Having known his nephew’s injury struggles throughout his career, the coach believed it was a smart decision to withdraw instead of forcing through an injury.

But at the same time, Toni showed concern over the lack of match practice. As all Rafa fans hope for the ‘Last Dance‘ to conclude with the Roland Garros title, the 63-year-old hoped his nephew would have considerable matches under his belt before he plays in Paris.

Especially when it comes to taking out because he doesn't have any problems with everything else when he trains. Either you go one hundred percent or better not participate. (He needs to) play some previous tournament to be able to make a good Roland Garros.
Said Toni speaking as per Cadenaser.

Rafael Nadal remains unsure of his next events before the French Open

Nadal wrote a heartfelt note while announcing his withdrawal from Monte Carlo. He talked about the disappointment of not being able to compete despite putting in his maximum efforts and being eager to play as well. While his fitness continues to keep him out of action, time is running down for him.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Image via: Imago)

The 2024 French Open kicks off on 26th May leaving just one and a half months for him to prepare. This includes getting enough match practice while managing his injury. Typically, Nadal’s calendar included Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and the twin Masters event in Madrid and Rome.

The Spaniard then took a week’s rest before the Grand Slam tournament kicked off in Paris. But given his current struggles, it looks unlikely that he’ll play in the Barcelona Open which begins immediately after the tournament in Monte-Carlo.

This leaves only the two Masters events for him to play but no official confirmation has been made so far. With time running down and limited events to pick from, the next few weeks will be quite worrying for the player and his fans.

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