Rafael Nadal isn't currently competing in the ATP Tour's events, but he's practicing hard, preparing for a long-awaited comeback.
In 2023, the 22-time Grand Slam champion collected only 45 ranking points and left the Top 10 for the first time since 2005. He may face further drop in the rankings if he won't add more points to his name. However, Nadal will be eyeing specifically one tournament this year.
The Spaniard should return to the courts at the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters, despite denying reports that his comeback is set to happen there. Even if it doesn't, Nadal will surely compete at the 2023 Roland Garros, an event where he may lift his 23rd major title.
Only a few months before the tournament is set to begin, the 14-time Roland Garros champion received a replica of his statue for the Rafa Nadal Museum. After receiving the replica, Nadal spoke to the representatives of the FFT, Amélie Mauresmo and Gilles Moretton, who traveled to Manacor, Spain to give it to him.
“It is a great privilege to welcome you here in my academy. You know how much Roland-Garros and this place mean to me. Having you here is a very special moment, and I can’t thank you enough for coming, along with some of the staff with whom I am very close at Roland-Garros."
"Thank you so much for sending this replica of the big one at Roland-Garros. For me, it is incredible to have my sculpture at Roland-Garros and now I have one here, and that means a lot! Thank you very much for everything."
But Nadal didn't speak only about the sculpture. The 36-year-old is looking forward to his return to the courts of the Roland Garros and he's hoping that his return will be competitive.
"I really hope to see you again this year at Roland-Garros, and I’ll try to be competitive [smiles].”
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