Rafa Nadal is reportedly unlikely to play the Barcelona Open raising further concerns over the Spaniards fitness and his future in the sport leading into Roland Garros. Nadal hasn’t played tennis since injuring himself in his devastating second round loss at the Australian Open.
The 22-time grand slam champion was hopeful to make an appearance at Indian Wells, but delayed his return as he prepared on clay. However, Nadal stunned fans when he withdrew from the Monte Carlo Masters even though he was touted to make his return at one of his most lucrative events.
However, in a concerning update for the 35-year-old who has struggled with persistent injuries since Wimbledon last year, Nadal is unlikely to take part in Barcelona, according to Spanish outlet Cadena SER.
Nadal admitted before the Monte Carlo Masters earlier in the month that he was taking his recovery day-by-day. “I’m in a phase of increasing work. If I knew when I was going to return, I would say so, but I don’t know. I can’t confirm that I will play in Monte Carlo, things are seen day-by-day. I prefer to say things when I really know them,” he said.
Nadal has won the Barcelona Open a record 12 times. The Spaniard is the reigning champion and will lose points for not defending his title if he is unable to start his clay court campaign in Catalonia.
The clay court maestro has won the Monte Carlo Masters a record 11 times, and the French Open a staggering 14 times. The publication reported Nadal could also be a doubt for the Madrid Open as well.
Nadal has clearly been working towards a return to Roland Garros having released social media clips of himself training at his academy on clay. However, fans were left questioning when Nadal would be fit to make what could be his final push for another grand slam.
