Rafael Nadal Practices At French Open Amid Questions About Fitness

Rafael Nadal returned to Roland Garros on Monday to gauge his status ahead of the start of the French Open on Sunday.

To the delight of his fans, the 37-year-old tennis legend practiced with coach Carlos Moya.

Roland Garros is the site of his many of Nadal’s most glorious moments, and the place he has won 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles, but he hasn’t played the event since winning his 22nd major over Casper Ruud in 2022.

After getting crushed by Hubert Hurkacz, 6-1, 6-3, in the third round of the Italian Open on May 11, Nadal said he was uncertain if he would play Roland Garros.

“Let’s see what’s going on, how I feel myself mentally tomorrow, after tomorrow, and in one week,” Nadal said last week at the Italian Open. “If I feel ready, I (am) going to try to be there and fight for the things that I have been fighting (for for) the last 15 years, (even) if now (that) seems impossible.”

After that Spanish outlet AS reported that Nadal “feels fine” physically and is “less dejected” than expected after his early departure in Rome.

Assuming there are no hiccups this week and “things go well,” Nadal will make what could be his final appearance at the major he has dominated since winning his first title in 2005, per AS.

There is no way of knowing how fit he will be or how many matches he can play. Competing in seven best-of-5 set matches across a fortnight might be a bridge too far considering how little competitive tennis he has played in the last couple of years.

His place in the draw will also be critical. Nadal is currently ranked No. 276 in the world and if he is unseeded in the tournament, he could potentially face Novak Djokovic or Carlos Alcaraz as early as the first round. The draw will be made Thursday at 2 p.m.

It’s unclear if Nadal will announce formal retirement plans, but he has indicated he wants to compete in the Paris Olympics at Roland Garros.

Fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz has said he wants to play doubles with Nadal there.