The twentieth participation in the Madrid tournament will also be the last in his career for Rafael Nadal. On the eve of his debut against 16-year-old Darwin Blanch, Rafa confirmed that this will be his last time at the Caja Magica as a player: “I don’t think I can play 100%but it is important to be able to play in Madrid for the last time – Rafa explained in the press conference – It means a lot for me to play on this pitch where I have experienced very beautiful moments”. Having returned to the circuit in Barcelona after yet another injury stop, Nadal questioned his physical condition, so much so that he even questioned his presence at Roland Garros: “I will only play Roland Garros if I feel competitive – admitted the Spaniard – If I get there in today’s conditions, I won’t play. If I can’t play, it won’t be the end of the world or the end of my career. I still have goals after Roland Garros, like the Olympics.”
“I want to finish Madrid physically intact”
Nadal, therefore, is not yet certain of flying to Paris to play the Slam he has won 14 times in his career. Rafa thinks day after day, focused on maintaining physical integrity: “The goal is to finish the Madrid tournament intact from a physical point of view – he added – In sport things can change quickly, I’m here to give myself a chance, if I find better sensations. I will play and have fun in a place where I received love like no other“. Nadal is currently registered for the Rome Internationals and Roland Garros, but has also announced participation in the Laver Cup (scheduled for September) and dreams of playing the Olympics. The ideas are clear in the last year of his career, but Rafa navigates by sight.
