Australian tennis champion Todd Woodbridge has expressed doubts about Rafael Nadal’s ability to win Roland-Garros, potentially ending his career.
The clay court major begins on Sunday, with all eyes on Nadal, who has won 14 French titles during his distinguished career.
While the 37-year-old has not decided if he will continue to play, Roland-Garros could be his final competitive appearance.
His injuries indicate that the time is close.
Nadal, who underwent hip surgery last summer, lost to Alex de Minaur in the second round of the Barcelona Open last month, his first competition in more than three months.
Following the loss, Nadal said that he is giving himself “a chance” and wants to “find better feelings” in his body in the future.
“I’m not losing hope. “I just accept the situation that I am in today,” Nadal stated. “I mean, I’m not playing badly. It’s about increased body restrictions… That has prevented me from competing as I would like to.”
Woodbridge is now concerned that Nadal’s tenure at Roland-Garros will be even more unpleasant for his devoted supporters to behold.
“It’s pretty tough to win with the lead-up that he’s had,” Woodbridge told The Age.
“Winning seven matches there places severe physical demands on the body. He hasn’t had the kilometers in his legs that he’s used to before this tournament.”
But Woodbridge isn’t given up hope that Nadal will go all the way, in what would be a stunning victory that could end his career.
“What Rafa has achieved on clay is extraordinary,” Woodbridge added.
“Nobody believed that he could win a tournament as many times on any surface that he has (at Roland-Garros), but to do it on this one, which requires incredible physicality, and probably the strongest mental ability, has highlighted to the tennis community what can be done.”
And if Father Time has finally caught up with Nadal and this is indeed his farewell competition, Woodbridge predicts that emotions will run high.
“I think he changed the attitudes of the likes of Roger (Federer) and in particular, Novak (Djokovic) … being his last tournament – if it is that, in fact – it’s going to be quite an emotional experience for everybody, somewhat like watching Roger when he retired at Laver Cup,” he stated.