Tennis: Nadal, a false start that raises questions

Given the Spaniard's grimaces at the end of the match during his marathon quarter-final lost in Brisbane, we could have feared the worst. After almost a year of absence to treat an iliopsoas in one hip, the 37-year-old champion was once again let down by his body, feeling muscular discomfort in his left thigh. The verdict came on Sunday: a micro tear forced him to throw in the towel for the Australian Open (January 14-28). The man with 22 Grand Slam titles announced the sad news in a long message posted on social networks.

Not ready to compete "at the maximum level of requirements in 5-set matches", the Majorcan however wanted to reassure his fans about the nature of his injury which would not be as serious as the previous one. But with this large, sick body, which has accumulated injuries since its debut, more than twenty years ago, the concern remains legitimate... While 2024 risks being his last year on the circuit, the Spaniard will return faster than expected in Mallorca with the preparation for Roland-Garros in the sights. “We all remain positive about the progress of the season. I have worked very hard throughout the year for this comeback and, as I have always said, my goal is to be at my best level in three months,” he confirms.

Three months, that is to say, the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters at the beginning of April, a tournament which corresponds to the start of the clay court season. Because what matters above all for the Majorcan is to gain strength for Roland-Garros and rack up the matches to be as competitive as possible on his beloved land of Porte d'Auteuil.

During the press conference at the end of 2023 at the French Tennis Federation (FFT), the director of the Parisian Grand Slam, Amélie Mauresmo, spoke cautiously of the possible return of the king of the earth next spring (26 May – June 9). “We have to wait and see how his recovery goes and if his body simply holds up. We are in contact with his team. Knock on wood. We all want to see him again at Roland and see him choose his exit, that’s the most important thing for him.” For the moment, the return is a false start. But one certainty: when his traumatized body leaves him a little alone, the boss of Philippe Chatrier (14 coronations) remains an extraordinary player. He proved it in Brisbane by flying over his first two matches...