“If I were in Paris today, I wouldn’t play,” said Nadal. “I don’t think I’ll be able to play here at 100 percent, but it’s important for me to play for the last time in Madrid. I experienced a number of nice moments there and it means a lot to me,” he added.
Nadal has already announced that this season will probably be his last. The former world number one has not played since January due to injury until last week and the tournament in Barcelona. Even now he does not feel in ideal condition. The second Grand Slam tournament of the Roland Garros season will begin on May 26.
“It doesn’t mean I’m giving up on anything in the coming weeks. I don’t want to confuse anyone, but I also don’t know what will happen in the next three weeks,” said Nadal. “I will do what is necessary so that we can start in Paris. I will play when I can. If not, then no. I will go to Paris only if I feel that I am doing well and that I can fight,” said the two-time Olympic champion.
A week ago in Barcelona, Nadal defeated the Italian Flavio Cobolli in the 1st round, but a day later he was not enough against the Australian Alex de Minaur. He lost to the world eleven 5:7, 1:6.
“I’m competitive and it’s hard to play when I can’t give my best. If you ask me if I was happy in Barcelona, I will say: No, not a bit,” said Nadal. “That’s why I want to go to Paris knowing that I’m able to fight. I’ll do anything for it and if it doesn’t work, at least I’ll know I tried. We will see what happens. Even if I can’t play at Roland Garros, it won’t be the end of the world. I also have the Olympic Games ahead of me,” he declared.
