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22-time Grand Slam Rafael Nadal is set to face 16-year-old American Darwin Blanch on April 25 at the Madrid Open. Ahead of the encounter with the youngster, he said that he is not sure if he will be able to play at next month’s French Open. The spaniard said he is yet to regain 100 per cent fitness as the muscle injury has troubled him since his return to the court.
Five-time Madrid Open winner returned to action for the first time since January at the Barcelona Open earlier this month after spending several months out with a hip injury.
During the press conference, the winner of 14 Ronald Garros titles said that it would be the end of the world if he doesn’t play his favourite tournament in May.
"If I arrive in Paris the way I feel today, I won't play. I'll play Roland Garros if I feel competitive… It won't be the end of the world or the end of my career. I still have goals after Roland Garros, like the Olympics," Nadal told a press conference.
"The goal is to finish the tournament alive, in physical terms. Madrid has given me everything, so... we'll see. In sport things can change very quickly. If I'm not there to try to make it change, the change won't happen. But I'm here giving myself a chance, to see if I find better feelings... and I have to be prepared if I'm at home it doesn't happen. If I don't lose hope. If I stay there, nothing tells me that the situation won't change in a few weeks. I'm here to give myself a chance and be ready if that change happens," Nadal added in reference to Ronald Garros.
Nadal was preparing to be fit for the Ronald Garros and the Paris Olympics. However, a muscle injury seems to be nagging him since the start of the season. However, the Spanish great has confirmed that he will represent Europe in the Laver Cup team tournament in September.
"At this stage in my career I really want to go out there and make the most of every opportunity I am given. Teaming up is always an incredible experience and I have always enjoyed it, the competition is different and exciting. I'm looking forward to going to Berlin and helping Team Europe win back the Laver Cup," Nadal said in a statement from Laver Cup.
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