Rafael Nadal is expected to play at this year's Roland Garros and his first practice will be held on Philippe Chatrier already a week before the tournament starts.
For the first time in two years, Nadal will be back on the Philippe Chatrier tennis court at Roland Garros. The last time the Spaniard stood on that court was in 2022 when he bested Casper Ruud in the final to lift his 14th trophy on the clay in the French capital.
Last year, he couldn't defend his trophy due to a hip injury, but he'll be back this year. The Spaniard hasn't officially confirmed his participation at the event, but he is in Paris.
As per plans, the 22-time major winner did travel to Paris and will practice ahead of what many expect will be his return to the courts. where he enjoyed the most success in his tennis career.
Obviously, we won't know whether he'll play or not until the moment he steps onto the court for his first match, because there is always a chance that he will pull out, as he hinted before.
According to reports, though, Nadal is expected to play in all circumstances, even though he's underlined that he won't play if he doesn't think he can win the event.
What is true as of right now is that Nadal will step out onto Philippe Chatrier on Monday, May 20th, 2024. The Spaniard's first practice is scheduled for 5 pm local time. It will last 90 minutes until 6:30 pm local time.
He's the most iconic player in French Open history, and his name is basically synonymous with the event, so having him there is hugely important for the event. Who knows, maybe this is the final time we ever see Nadal compete at the French Open.