Nadal is no longer coming back: the announcement is official

Rafa Nadal and an announcement that worries fans a lot: official statements, no return for the Spaniard

After a further absence from the fields lasting some time, Rafa Nadal has finally taken to the court again. Although his adventure in the ATP 500 in Barcelona was not particularly profitable, unfortunately. The Spanish he was in fact eliminated in his second match.

The winning debut against Flavio Cobolli, a 6-2 6-3 victory, had given his fans hope. However, the cold shower arrived on time in the next shift. The Australian Alex De Minaur is too fit, who prevailed 7-5 6-1. Almost apologizing to the home crowd for having inflicted displeasure on the Iberian favourite, as well as one of the living legends of the world of tennis.

For Nadal it was the return to clay, his favorite surface, almost two years after the last time, the victorious Roland Garros in 2022. The Parisian tournament is its main goal, along with the Olympics, this season. But the signals coming from the field, unfortunately, do not speak in favor of his very competitive presence. AND doubts about the Mallorcan’s future increase.

Nadal, farewell to the Barcelona tournament and not encouraging signs for Roland Garros: the statements

It is Nadal himself who fuels them, always honest in his statements. At the end of the match against De Minaur, Rafa spoke at the press conference, explaining what his actual conditions are at the moment.

Nadal first clarified that “it was my last match in Barcelona, you all know how important this tournament was for me. I would have liked to go back again and be competitive, but it won’t be possible for me.” Signs that bring the impression that this could be the last season at a competitive level for the 22-time Grand Slam winner.

Also for Roland Garros the situation is not encouraging. In fact, Nadal added: “I am very clear about what I can do and what I can’t do at the moment. I can’t currently afford to play a 2-3 hour high level match. I had to slow down the pace a bit at times, I haven’t been able to train well in this period of serving so doing it effectively for a long time is difficult for me. I know I disappointed my fans, but I remain positive. I accept what I have Right now”. The hopes of seeing Nadal at his best in France are fading.