Australian tennis champion Todd Woodbridge has declared he isn’t confident that Rafael Nadal can win Roland-Garros, in what would be a fairytale end to his career.
The clay court major begins on Sunday, with all eyes on Nadal, who has won 14 of the French titles across his decorated career.
While the 37-year-old has not made any call on his playing future, Roland-Garros may be the last time he takes to a court competitively.
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His injuries have suggested that the time is near.
Nadal, who had hip surgery last summer, lost to Alex de Minaur in the second round in Barcelona last month, in what was his first tournament in more than three months.
After that loss, Nadal admitted that he is giving himself “a chance” and hopes to “find better feelings” in his body going forward.
“I don’t lose hope. I just accept the situation that I have today,” Nadal said. “I mean, I am not playing bad. It’s about more body limitations … That’s not allowed me to compete the way that I would like to compete.”
Now, Woodbridge is concerned that Nadal’s time at Roland-Garros could be even more painful for his adoring fans to witness.
“It’s pretty tough to win with the lead-up that he’s had,” Woodbridge told The Age.
“The physical demands on the body, to win seven matches there, is extreme. He hasn’t had the miles in the legs that he’s used to going into this tournament.”
But Woodbridge isn’t giving up hope that Nadal could go all the way, in what would be a shock triumph to potentially end his career.
“What Rafa has achieved on clay is extraordinary,” Woodbridge said.
“Nobody believed that he could win a tournament as many times on any surface that he has (at Roland-Garros), but to do it on this one, which requires incredible physicality, and probably the strongest mental ability, has highlighted to the tennis community what can be done.”
And if Father Time has officially caught up with Nadal and this is in fact is his final competition, Woodbridge says the emotions will be high.
“I think he changed the attitudes of the likes of Roger (Federer) and in particular, Novak (Djokovic) … being his last tournament – if it is that, in fact – it’s going to be quite an emotional experience for everybody, somewhat like watching Roger when he retired at Laver Cup,” he said.
Australian tennis champion Todd Woodbridge has declared he isn’t confident that Rafael Nadal can win Roland-Garros, in what would be a fairytale end to his career.
The clay court major begins on Sunday, with all eyes on Nadal, who has won 14 of the French titles across his decorated career.
While the 37-year-old has not made any call on his playing future, Roland-Garros may be the last time he takes to a court competitively.
READ MORE: ‘Public humiliation’: Erebus team boss faces fresh allegations
READ MORE: Wally picks Maroons 17 with ‘confrontational’ bolter
READ MORE: NZ rugby in crisis amid extraordinary players threat
His injuries have suggested that the time is near.
Nadal, who had hip surgery last summer, lost to Alex de Minaur in the second round in Barcelona last month, in what was his first tournament in more than three months.
After that loss, Nadal admitted that he is giving himself “a chance” and hopes to “find better feelings” in his body going forward.
“I don’t lose hope. I just accept the situation that I have today,” Nadal said. “I mean, I am not playing bad. It’s about more body limitations … That’s not allowed me to compete the way that I would like to compete.”
Now, Woodbridge is concerned that Nadal’s time at Roland-Garros could be even more painful for his adoring fans to witness.
“It’s pretty tough to win with the lead-up that he’s had,” Woodbridge told The Age.
“The physical demands on the body, to win seven matches there, is extreme. He hasn’t had the miles in the legs that he’s used to going into this tournament.”
But Woodbridge isn’t giving up hope that Nadal could go all the way, in what would be a shock triumph to potentially end his career.
“What Rafa has achieved on clay is extraordinary,” Woodbridge said.
“Nobody believed that he could win a tournament as many times on any surface that he has (at Roland-Garros), but to do it on this one, which requires incredible physicality, and probably the strongest mental ability, has highlighted to the tennis community what can be done.”
And if Father Time has officially caught up with Nadal and this is in fact is his final competition, Woodbridge says the emotions will be high.
“I think he changed the attitudes of the likes of Roger (Federer) and in particular, Novak (Djokovic) … being his last tournament – if it is that, in fact – it’s going to be quite an emotional experience for everybody, somewhat like watching Roger when he retired at Laver Cup,” he said.
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