Monte Carlo is one of the biggest tournaments on the world stage, hosted at Monte Carlo Country Club and running from April 6 until April 14. Some of the most prolific names in tennis grace this ATP Tour’s stage, like Djokovic, Holger Rune, Jannik Sinner, and Alcaraz. But the real question is – will Rafael Nadal be at Monte Carlo?
Will This Be The Last Time We See Rafael Nadal At Monte Carlo?
The most beautiful view in tennis?
? #RolexMonteCarloMasters pic.twitter.com/ijEMbxjOeo
— Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters (@ROLEXMCMASTERS) April 1, 2024
Rafael Nadal said last year that 2024 might be his last. But, his farewell year that was destined to be filled with big wins and tournament berths has been hampered by injury. Nadal hasn’t played since his tournament in Brisbane at the beginning of 2024, worrying fans that he might not be fit for Monte Carlo.
Rafael Nadal has always dominated clay courts, as the lesser impact, sliding ability, and bounce of the ball is favorable to his hard-hitting game. Despite picking up an injury very early on in 2024, he has made it clear that he doesn’t want to announce an official retirement date.
‘I don’t want to announce it (retirement) because in the end, I don’t know what can happen. I have to give myself the opportunity not to say one thing as then I’ll be a slave to what I said.’
We’re hoping for the best. Seeing Nadal play the current young athletes on a tear, like Sinner and Alcaraz, is a joy to watch.
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Rafael Nadal’s Stellar Record at Monte Carlo
Nadal has been getting older, but we can’t forget his prowess at Monte Carlo throughout the years. For over a decade, Rafael Nadal has ‘served’ us fans intense left-handed strokes, powerful backhands, super-fast serves, and intense points. He is not only a fantastic athlete and tennis player, but an entertainer for the audience.
Nadal first rose to prominence in the tennis community back in 2005 when he was just a teenager. Rafael ended up winning the trophy at Monte Carlo just one year later in 2006. Nadal then continued a breathtaking streak that lasted until 2009. Then, he won again in 2011 and 2016, making that a record-breaking six trophies in eleven years at Monte Carlo.
But, just like with any athlete, he can’t play forever. Last season, Rafael Nadal cryptically stated this year might be his last year touring.
After all, he did undergo surgery – twice – and turn 39 years old. It doesn’t look too promising for the Spaniard’s picture-perfect goodbye tour.