Nadal: I want to finish the tournament alive; I wouldn’t be playing Roland Garros if it started today

Rafael Nadal took a step in the right direction this past week after playing his first match on clay in 2 years and even managed one win at the Barcelona tournament. However, Rafa’s physical condition seems to have deteriorated over the past few days and he revealed many disturbing details about himself in his latest media appearance. Tomorrow, the 22-time major champion is due for his first-round Masters clash in Madrid, where he will face 16-year-old debutant Darwin Blanche, but there appears to have been a step back in the Matador’s process towards a top-level return and he finally made it clear that he was taking the court in the Spanish capital for the last time.

“I don’t think I will be able to be at 100 percent in my game. If I had arrived today in Paris, I would not have participated in the tournament. I will only play at Roland Garros if I feel really competitive. I will play if I can play, if I can’t play – I won’t play. It won’t be the end of the world or the end of my career. I still have goals for after that, like the Olympics.

I don’t feel particularly well during training, but this is Madrid and I have a number of personal reasons to play here one last time. It means a lot to be here again because this is a very special court and place for me. My goal this week is to be on the court and enjoy it as much as possible. I want to finish this tournament alive and really enjoy having the opportunity to compete one last time. I’m here, I’ve given myself a chance and I hope things get better. I don’t lose hope because things can change very quickly in sports,” Rafa admitted during today’s press conference in the Spanish capital.

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