Rafael Nadal remains coy on comeback mission with ‘wouldn’t even be trying’ verdict
Rafael Nadal is refusing to give anything away ahead of his expected comeback on the clay. The 22-time Major winner returned from a year-long injury layoff in January but has played just one tournament since, facing several setbacks. Explaining how he felt ahead of the clay season, Nadal claimed he “wouldn’t even be trying” if he was particularly optimistic or negative.
Nadal is gearing up to compete for the first time in three months after being spotted practising on clay courts. The former world No. 1 is on the entry list for the Monte Carlo Masters, beginning on April 7, and the Barcelona Open the following week.
The Spaniard had been set to play the recent Indian Wells Masters and travelled to California for the tournament but pulled out 24 hours before his opening match. Now back on his favourite surface, Nadal is still playing coy about his expectations after suffering so many roadblocks in his return.
“The first objective is to try to compete and I go day by day. I will do my best to try to start the clay season, which is my goal,” he said at the recent Rafa Nadal Foundation awards. While Nadal is keen to get back on the match court in Monte Carlo, he admitted that he wouldn’t be sharing his expectations anymore.
