Rafael Nadal admits he’s still unsure whether he’ll play at the French Open next month – as the 14-time winner advances in Madrid on his return from his latest hip issue

Rafael Nadal has again cast doubt on a farewell appearance at this year’s French  Open, insisting that his involvement is not dependent on whether he believes he can win the event. 

The 14-time champion returned to action in Barcelona earlier this month after suffering another hip issue at his comeback tournament in January following a year out.

He exited the competition in the second round but has bounced back at the Madrid Open, where he avenged his defeat by Alex De Minaur in Catalonia with a straight-sets win on Saturday.

But in spite of his positivity after coming through the physical test, the 37-year-old refused to confirm whether he’ll make what is expected to be his last appearance at the French Open next month.     

‘No idea,’ He said after his victory over De Minaur. ‘Over the last few days my body feelings have improved a little bit but I’m not sure yet.

The 37-year-old advances to the round of 32 at the Madrid Open after a straight-sets win over Alex De Minaur

‘I understand sometimes it’s difficult to understand somethings but for me Roland-Garros is the most important tournament of my tennis career and all the things I’ve lived and enjoyed there stay in my heart forever. 

‘It’s not a thing about losing or winning, it’s about going on court there with a feeling that I can fight and I can be competitive, you know, let’s go on court and dream about what can happen.   

‘If I’m not able to go on court and dream, even if it’s the minimum percentage, for me it doesn’t make sense to go court. 

‘I’d prefer to stay with all the amazing memories that I have.’

Even though doubt has been cast on a Philippe Chatrier swansong, Nadal recently revealed that he intends to partner fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz at the Paris Olympics this summer. 

For now, he continues at the Madrid Open, hoping to build on a positive return from injury with a round of 32 clash against Pedro Cachin.  

‘It’s very important for me to be able to compete for the whole match with a good level of tennis with my body holding up well for a little bit over two hours.’ He added, reflecting on his win. 

Nadal has won the French Open a record 14 times, the last which came after victory over Casper Ruud in 2022

‘It was very important for me. That was great test and now let’s see how I wake up tomorrow. So super happy. 

‘I will never have the chance to thank all the people here in Madrid enough for everything that they’ve given to me during my whole career. It was a very emotional one.’