Spanish royalty Rafael Nadal, popularly known as the King of Clay is probably going through the toughest time of his career. Never did he see himself performing poorly on Clay, especially when his retirement looms near. After missing the majority of the 2023 ATP Tour due to injury, the fans expected a solid comeback from Rafa. However, it doesn’t seem to be the same compared to all his previous returns over the years.
Injuries have always been Nadal’s best friend, so there was never any doubt regarding his return. But this time, the 37-year-old is not looking comfortable, which indicates his time as a peak tennis player is probably over. Moreover, not being able to perform on his favorite surface, Clay, has left his fans disappointed and sad. The only hope that remains is if the King can protect his crown at the season’s 2nd Grand Slam event, the French Open.
Does Rafa have the fire left in him for one ‘Last Dance’ or the Monarch’s reign is soon to be over?
Worst-Ever Clay Court Season For Rafael Nadal
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The start of the 2024 ATP season has been a disaster for Rafael Nadal. He did not participate in the Australian Open due to injury and tried to make a comeback in the Indian Wells but failed. Despite the struggle, the fans were confident to see him perform at the top level on Clay but it doesn’t seem to be the case. Nadal has not made it past the 3rd round in any of the Red Soil tournaments this season.
Rafael Nadal’s Clay court journey this year started with the Barcelona Open. He made it to the Round of 32 in the 500 tournament before losing to Australia’s Alex De Minaur in straight sets. The Tennis star then participated in the 1000 Madrid Masters, where he managed to reach the Round of 16. However, he again faced a defeat at the hands of the No 30 seed, Jiri Lehecka, in straight sets.
The ATP 1000 Rome Masters is always the last big thing before the French Open. Nadal had a tough first-round battle against a qualifier Zizou Bergs, where he managed to win in three sets. The journey in Rome for Rafael Nadal was short-lived after getting demolished by Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets (6-1, 6-3).
This has left fans amazed as they have never seen Rafa struggling on Clay in over 20 years.
15th French Open on the Cards For Rafael Nadal?
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After such a disappointing Clay court season, there are heavy doubts about whether Rafa will win the French Open or not. Also because he has never struggled so much on Clay ever in his career. However, he is still by far the best player to play the game and without a doubt the ‘Best-Ever’ on Clay.
14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles are French Open trophies. He won his first Roland Garros back in 2005, when he was 19, and has lifted the trophy 13 more times since. His last title came in 2022 after defeating Casper Ruud of Norway in a dominating straight-set victory (6-3, 6-3, 6-0). Furthermore, Rafael Nadal boasts an incredible 112-3 win/loss record in Paris, a feat that is next to impossible to break.
Also Read: Rome Open Defending Champion Gets Overwhelmed In 4th Round
Is Nadal Ready to Travel to Paris?
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There are speculations surrounding Rafael Nadal’s will to compete in the French Open. Two years of consistent injuries have forced him to not rush into his decision to play every tournament. Despite Paris being his all-time favorite venue, there is no guarantee that he’ll be there. In a recent press conference, Rafa discussed everything related to the French Open, his travel plans, his fitness, and more. This is what he said:
“The decision, as you can imagine, is not clear in my mind today. But if I have to say what’s my feeling and if my mind is closer one way or the other way, I going to say be in Roland Garros and try my best.”
“Physically I have some issues, but not probably yet enough to say not playing in the most important event of my tennis career.”
“Let’s see what’s going on, how I feel myself mentally tomorrow, after tomorrow, and in one week. If I feel ready, I going to try to be there and fight for the things that I have been fighting the last 15 years, if now seems impossible.”
No matter what the situation is, Rafael Nadal’s fans will love to see him in the major, probably for the last time. They would want to see their favorite player, a 22-time Grand Slam Champion, create history on his favorite surface again before announcing retirement.
About Author
Siddharth prefers to watch almost any sport under the sun. From Soccer to Cricket to Tennis, to NFL and NBA, he follows it all. A literary student and someone who dreams to be a musician one day as well.
