Rafael Nadal is pitting himself against the ATP’s best, and he’s defeating them, at least on the practice courts.
Nadal is in Roland Garros, preparing for a major fortnight. He is aiming for a record-extending 15th title, which would bring his Grand Slam total to 23.
However, many observers do not see him as a legitimate threat in the draw. It’s nearly impossible to believe that Nadal will not compete for the trophy in a tournament that has defined his career.
With 14 French Open titles, including over 100 match wins, the 37-year-old is an outsider, but his colleagues believe he is a favorite regardless of his performance.
Nadal clearly cannot defy biology. If he makes it to the second week despite all odds, he will be 38. However, that is not the sole limiting element. On arriving in Paris, he is in the lowest form of his career, having won only five clay-court matches since winning the 2022 tournament.
Much of this is due to a long injury hiatus in 2023, when he had hip surgery. It accelerated his downfall. He has now returned to the tour, although his performance has not been as strong as it once was.
Rafa continuing to improve his level in practice, won the practice set 6-3 vs Medvedev 💥🇫🇷💪 pic.twitter.com/9inyiJtu88
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) May 23, 2024
After being dealt a nightmare draw to start his bid for a record 15th title, Nadal hit the practice courts for the second time this week, meeting Daniil Medvedev. He had already defeated Sebastian Korda earlier in the week.
The Russian does not stand out as a true clay-court player, but his credentials are strong. He won his first surface title in Rome last season, defeating Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitspas, and Holger Rune.
So Nadal found a decent opponent to get his blood flowing again. A sample of their practice set was shared on X (formerly Twitter). The Spaniard reportedly won the match by 6-3. He will face Zverev on Monday or Tuesday in one of the tournament’s first round matches.