PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 20: Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand during a training session at Roland … [+]
Rafael Nadal returned to Roland Garros on Monday to gauge his status ahead of the start of the French Open on Sunday.
To the delight of his fans, the 37-year-old tennis legend practiced with coach Carlos Moya.
Roland Garros is the site of his many of Nadal’s most glorious moments, and the place he has won 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles, but he hasn’t played the event since winning his 22nd major over Casper Ruud in 2022.
After getting crushed by Hubert Hurkacz, 6-1, 6-3, in the third round of the Italian Open on May 11, Nadal said he was uncertain if he would play Roland Garros.
“Let’s see what’s going on, how I feel myself mentally tomorrow, after tomorrow, and in one week,” Nadal said last week at the Italian Open. “If I feel ready, I (am) going to try to be there and fight for the things that I have been fighting (for for) the last 15 years, (even) if now (that) seems impossible.”
After that Spanish outlet AS reported that Nadal “feels fine” physically and is “less dejected” than expected after his early departure in Rome.
Assuming there are no hiccups this week and “things go well,” Nadal will make what could be his final appearance at the major he has dominated since winning his first title in 2005, per AS.
It’s unclear if Nadal will announce formal retirement plans, but he has indicated he wants to compete in the Paris Olympics at Roland Garros.
Fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz has said he wants to play doubles with Nadal there.