Former ATP player and tennis analyst Mats Wilander spoke about Rafael Nadal's most recent announcement.
A few days ago, the 22-time major winner announced that he was withdrawing from the Monte-Carlo Masters. That in itself was neither shocking nor devastating, but what caused a lot of concern among fans was his admitting that his body doesn't allow him to play competitively.
That's the most upsetting part because there is a decent chance it will never get better. Former player Wilander sat down with Eurosport to talk about Nadal's announcement, and he put forward a few theories of his own.
"I think that the best part of Rafael Nadal's tennis right now is that he's really trying. He's very keen to come back. I like that he's not pushing himself unless he's feeling very close to 100% because if he injures himself past a certain point, he's not coming back. He's 38-years-old this year. He's not going to come back. There's no way. You can't come back at 42. I think he's playing it carefully."
That's a very optimistic take by Wilander on the matter, but it could be true. We've seen Nadal compete this year, and he looked pretty good when he competed. There is no reason to think that he could be really good if he's fully healthy again.
It's just getting to that level of health that's been a challenge so far. For Wilander, a Roland Garros end would be fitting, even though he's not hoping for it.
"If he is at 80% of his ability, I would love to see what he can do to a lot of the other guys, and I would just love to see him finish his career at the French Open. Of course, I'd prefer not to see him finish his career at all, but am I worried? Yes. At the same time, no, because he's able to practice."
"Why? Because he's more relaxed in practice than when you start playing matches. He knows this and it's likelier to injure yourself in matches. But it's worrying for Rafael Nadal fans because we really, really, really want to see him play one more French Open."
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