Roger Federer has revealed his personal concern over Rafa Nadal’s latest injury news as the tennis world waits to see if the 22-time grand slam champion will play at the French Open. Federer joined stars at the Miami GP on the weekend and was able to meet up with fellow tennis rival Martin Del Potro ahead of the race.
Federer was mobbed by reporters in a rare appearance at a Formula One event and one of the topics raised to the 21-time grand slam champion was that of Nadal. The Spaniard stunned fans with an announcement he wouldn’t play the Madrid Open, which meant Nadal hasn’t played a tournament since the Australian Open.
And on Friday, Nadal confirmed he would also miss the Italian Open, in Rome, which raised even further doubt that the 36-year-old would be fit in time for Roland Garros. Nadal’s persistent injury problems are making it very hard for tennis fans to see the legend returning in Paris without a warm-up tournament.
World No.1 Novak Djokovic is also struggling with an elbow injury, but is expected to play in both tournaments. And Nadal’s friend and greatest rival, Federer, addressed Nadal’s injury concerns.
Speaking at the grand prix, Federer said it is ‘brutal’ for tennis to see Nadal on the sidelines for so long with his future unknown. “It will be brutal yes, it will be tough for tennis if Rafa is not there,” Federer said.
“I still hope so, I saw he pulled out of Rome. So I wish him the best. Also, Novak hasn’t played that much so I hope he is going to be strong. Hopefully all the young guys coming through as well. I will be watching, for sure.”
