The Barcelona Open tournament director David Ferrer can not wait to see Rafael Nadal at his event. David is happy with Nadal’s progress following a nasty hip injury at the Australian Open, hoping to see his compatriot at his best in Monte Carlo and Barcelona.
Ferrer understands that Nadal wants to return to his best as soon as possible and chase his 15th Roland Garros trophy in June. Rafa’s 92nd and most recent ATP title came in Paris last year, beating Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud en route to his 22nd Major crown.
Nadal overcame foot pain and all the opponents to extend his incredible run in the French capital and remain a player to beat 17 years after conquering the first title. The Spaniard has been dealing with setbacks since Wimbledon, playing only 13 matches since August and losing ground.
Rafa has scored only five wins since August and will leave the top-10 after Indian Wells, leaving the elite company for the first time since April 2005! Nadal kicked off the current season with no form, experiencing two United Cup losses and not looking good ahead of the Australian Open.
Rafael Nadal will try to win his 15th Roland Garros title in June.
The defending champion prevailed over Jack Draper in the first round and met Mackenzie McDonald in the second. The American played well and scored a 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 triumph, delivering Nadal’s earliest Major loss since 2016.
Rafa injured his left hip in the second set, staying on the court until the end and revealing a Grade 2 iliopsoas injury after further checks. Nadal withdrew from Doha, Dubai, Indian Wells and Miami, making slow progress on the practice court on clay and hoping to get ready for Monte Carlo or Barcelona in April.
With so many setbacks, Nadal will throw everything at Roland Garros, knowing it’s his best chance to win a Major this year. “Rafa is already doing practice blocks of five days and progressing. I have faith and confidence that he can play well on clay once he returns, and I know he can not wait to compete in Monte Carlo and Barcelona.
His primary goal is to win another Roland Garros title and become the only player with 23 Majors. Rafa understands he has to find the rhythm as soon as possible to chase that goal, and he works hard to achieve it,” David Ferrer says.
