Cricket
Rafael Nadal to return to French Open in 2025? Compatriot Alex Corretja reveals chat
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Former World No.2 Alex Corretja reckons that legendary Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal may reconsider his French Open future after his opening round exit on Monday. Corretja revealed insights from his recent conversations with Nadal, indicating a significant shift in the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s outlook. The 37-year-old Spaniard, who missed nearly all of 2023 due to injuries, was defeated in straight sets by fourth-seed German Alexander Zverev.
Zverev became only the third player to beat Nadal on the Parisian clay. In what could have been his final match at the tournament he dominated for almost two decades, Nadal exhibited flashes of his former brilliance. He has openly expressed his ambition to return to Roland Garros for this year’s Paris Olympics. Additionally, Nadal has given his fans a glimmer of hope that he might extend his career a bit longer.
“I spoke to him a couple of months ago and he was sure he wouldn’t be back (at the French Open),” Corretja told Eurosport. “But then I spoke to him a week ago, and he said to me it’s the first time I’ve been practising here at Roland Garros that I feel no pain. He said he felt so good on the court and that his tennis is growing and doesn’t see any reason why he can’t come back at least one more time.
Nadal, who holds an astonishing 14 French Open titles, appears to be buoyed by his improved physical condition and promising practice sessions. Yet, he remains cautiously optimistic about his prospects. “But he also said, it depends how I play. If I play awful against Zverev, maybe I won’t come back. But the way he played, I believe he will think why not come back.”
Wilander said the prospect of him playing at the Olympics was exciting. Nadal’s level of tennis during his French Open defeat by Alexander Zverev on Monday was high enough to secure victory against the majority of players in the draw, according to former Roland Garros champion Mats Wilander.
“Obviously the Olympics are huge and for him to have the chance to play here on Philippe Chatrier is amazing and could be an unbelievable end to his career,” Wilander told Eurosport. “I think he beats 90% of the draw today. There’s only a few guys that would beat him playing this well. And Zverev was the worst opponent possible in the first round, worse than playing (Novak) Djokovic, worse than playing (Carlos) Alcaraz.”
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