RAFAEL NADAL HAS ‘NO CHOICE’ BUT TO PLAY INDIAN WELLS AND ‘CAN WIN’ FRENCH OPEN IF FIT – TONI NADAL
Toni Nadal has provided an update on the fitness of Rafael Nadal ahead of his latest return to action in Indian Wells. Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, was forced to withdraw from the Australian Open after suffering an injury setback at the Brisbane International. Despite the recent physical issues, Nadal’s uncle believes he still has what it takes to lift the sport’s biggest titles.
Rafael Nadal has “no choice” but to compete at Indian Wells as he bids to return to the pinnacle of tennis, according to his uncle Toni.
The Spaniard is preparing for his latest comeback to the sport after an injury picked up at the Brisbane International – his first tournament in almost a year – forced him to withdraw from the Australian Open.
His setback wasn’t related to the hip issue that meant he had to undergo surgery last year and it was hoped he would be fit in time to feature in last week’s Qatar Open.
Having ruled himself out of the tournament in Doha, the 22-time Grand Slam champion is now scheduled to face Carlos Alcaraz in an exhibition match in Las Vegas before playing in the Masters 1000 event at Indian Wells from March 6-17.
“It’s that he needs to compete,” Toni Nadal told AS. “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.”
Nadal, 37, who has dealt with numerous injuries and extended spells on the sidelines throughout his career, has said this year could be his last.
While his uncle refused to be drawn on his long-term future, insisting the team is “going to wait” and assess how the rest of this year goes, he remains optimistic that his nephew can add a record-extending 15th French Open title to his roll of honour and fight for gold in the Paris Olympics.
