Rafael Nadal’s coaches, Marc Lopez and Carlos Moya, have revealed their thoughts on the great Spaniard’s chances in what may be his final months of tennis.
Lopez explained that Nadal is still “very competitive” and wants to win at “whatever he does,” but that “results are secondary” for the tennis legend.
Nadal will compete in his third clay-court tournament of the season, the 2024 Italian Open, which began play in the men’s main bracket today.
The 37-year-old will face qualifier Zizou Bergs in the first round of the ATP Masters 1000 event on Thursday, which he has won a record ten times.
🛣️ Rafael Nadal’s potential route at the 2024 Italian Open.#Tennis #ATP #IBI24 #Nadal pic.twitter.com/eGla5bXySI
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The former world number one returned to action after more than three months out at the Barcelona Open last month, reaching the second round.
Nadal then made remarkable inroads at the Madrid Open, winning three sets to reach the fourth round before falling to Jiri Lehecka.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner has revealed that 2024 will most likely be the last year of his legendary career. After Rome, he could make his final appearance at the French Open, where he has won 14 times.
Prior to Barcelona, Nadal had not played since January in Brisbane, when he returned from an almost year-long absence.
During a live Twitch video during the Madrid Open, Lopez stated that Nadal’s competitive spirit remains untainted as he analysed his current comeback.
“It is quite competitive (Nadal’s mentality). He wants to win and give his all in all he does. “Be it golf, tennis, or Ludo,” remarked the former doubles world number three.
“What about Paris?” I believe he is now not at 100%, which is normal, but from the outside, we try to convince him that he is better than he thinks.
“I believe he is competitive, developing day by day and taking small steps ahead to reach Roland Garros in the best possible way, which is a fantastic aim.
“The results are secondary. The crucial thing is that you feel like you’re playing tennis again.
“The people who love him want him to enjoy himself, not to go to the tournaments just to say goodbye, but to offer a competitive version.”He is training and is enthusiastic. I hope he gets to say farewell as he deserves. He always surprises us, and I hope he does again.”
Moya, who has coached Nadal since 2016, commented on the idea that his fellow Mallorcan is set to retire.
“Everything comes.” This has to be an opportunity for those who will see him on the floor. The magnetism he possesses alone on the court, with his presence,” stated the former world number one and French Open champion on the same platform.
“We must pay him the tribute he deserves. Many people don’t know him directly, but they’ve welcomed him into their own family. It’s as if they ate together in their houses.
“You have to cherish the time you have left on the track, value it, and understand how tough it is to duplicate something like this.
“The adrenaline he is experiencing these days will not be felt again, and he is loving it. That’s something you miss if you’re not active.”