Italian Open: Nadal ‘not sure’ about Roland Garros participation after losing to Hurkacz

Rafael Nadal lost to Hubert Hurkacz 6-1, 6-3 at the ongoing 2024 Italian Open in the Round of 64 encounter after which he admitted that he is “not sure” about participating in the upcoming 2024 Roland Garros.

Nadal battled with injuries for the last 1.5 years and finally returned to the court earlier this year. He played in the Madrid and Barcelona Open recently and looked good in shape.

However, the Spaniard wasn’t at his best today as Hurkacz, a proficient clay court specialist, managed to overcome the 22-time Grand Slam winner without any difficulty.

Talking after the match, Nadal admitted that he does not feel he is “ready” to compete at the French Open due to his performance today.

"I don't want to make a decision yet. There are two possible paths. I think I am not prepared to compete at Roland Garros because of what I have done today. There are two weeks left, we are going to do everything possible to change the situation. Even if it is difficult for me, frustrating, I feel closer to trying. I'm stuck, but I will try as much as possible these two weeks," said Nadal after the match.

On the other hand, Hurkacz praised Rafa after his win saying he has inspired so many people.

“I’m definitely really proud of myself,” said Hurkacz. “Playing Rafa is something special. It’s just different, especially being on clay, the surface that he has just dominated over the past 20 years. No one will ever have a record like him on this surface.

"He’s just bigger than the sport at the end of the day. So many people follow him and he inspired so many guys, so I’m just really happy to have had that experience today.”

Comments

Submit