Rafael Nadal spoke to the media at the Mutua Madrid Open prior to his first-round match against Darwin Blanch on Thursday. Nadal admitted that he is less than 100 percent physically but is happy to be able to play.
“The goal is to be on court and enjoy as long as possible,” the 37-year old Spaniard said on Wednesday. “Try to finish the tournament alive in terms of body issues and enjoy the fact that I will be able to compete one more time on the professional tour and here at home in Madrid. A place that has given me everything in terms of support.
“So, let’s see. I mean, in this sport, I’ve said it plenty of times, but it’s true: things can change very quickly. If I am not there to try that change, for sure a change will not happen. I am here, giving myself a chance. If at some moment my situation improves so I am able to find better feelings in my body, I need to be ready. I will not be ready if I am at home.
“I can say a feeling that is very important for me too, emotionally, is that I’m going to be on court tomorrow. A few weeks ago I didn’t know if I would be able to play again on the professional tour, so today I am playing. It’s not perfect, of course, but at least I am playing and I can enjoy again–especially in a few tournaments that are so emotional for me. I’m able to enjoy that I can say probably goodbye on court.”
Although Nadal is back from a three-month absence following his quarterfinal appearance in Brisbane, there is no guarantee that he will play the French Open next month. Obviously the intensity and sheer length of a best-of-five match at a Grand Slam is much different from a best-of-three situation that the 14-time Roland Garros champion encountered in Barcelona and now in Madrid.
If the season’s second major began right now, Nadal would not be playing.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next three weeks,” the world No. 1 explained. “I will keep fighting and doing the things I believe I have to do so I can try to play in Paris, and if I can play, I play; if I can’t, I can’t. I will not play in Paris if I am the way I am now. If Paris were today, I wouldn’t take to the court. That’s the reality. I will only play in Paris if I feel capable enough to compete well.”
