Nadal’s French Open triumph is well chronicled, but winning it again at Roland Garros in this situation could be too much for the Spaniard.
Todd Woodbridge hails Rafael Nadal’s French Open performance as “extraordinary,” but the former 22-time Grand Slam winner in men’s and mixed doubles adds that it will be “pretty tough” for the Spaniard to win it all at Roland Garros this year given his current predicament.
After Nadal’s recovery from hip surgery did not go as planned at the start of 2024, the former world number one was able to begin his clay season in Barcelona in mid-April, despite likely still not being totally ready to play. While Nadal has also played in Madrid and Rome, he has admitted to feeling “limited” on the court, as he is only 5-3 in clay season.
For Nadal, reaching the round of 16 in Madrid and losing in the second round in Barcelona and Rome is a long cry from his previous results leading up to the French Open.
“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.”
Woodbridge gives the ultimate compliment to Nadal’s French Open results.
Since winning his first French Open championship in his debut 19 years ago, Nadal has won 13 more times at Roland Garros, making him a record 14-time French Open winner. Nadal’s French Open victory is regarded as not only one of the best tennis records, but also one of the greatest sporting achievements.
“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.”
It remains to be seen how far Nadal can go in his possible final French Open campaign.