A very different training from the rest. Rafael Nadal14-time winner of Roland Garros and whose participation is not confirmed six days before the start of the tournament, took to the field Philippe Chatrier this Monday for its first session in Paris, with thousands of excited people in the stands.
Nadal had not stepped foot on the Parisian clay court since his victory in the 2022 edition against Casper Ruudwhen he was able to lift the trophy despite several physical problems, including an anesthetized left foot to soothe the pain Müller-Weiss syndromea chronic illness that he has suffered since he was 18 years old.
The winner of 22 Grand Slam tournaments jumped onto the central court to train, acclaimed by some 6,000 people who had come to the venue to continue the first day of the qualifying phase on the other courts.
Five minutes before the announced time of their training, the “Rafa, Rafa, Rafa” They were heard in the Chatrier, theater of its 14 crowns.
On the verge of turning 38, Nadal failed to regain his level after spending 2023 regenerating his physique, decimated by injuries. In recent weeks he played in the round of 16 in the Madrid Masters 1000 and fell in the second round in the Rome Masters 1000.
In his messages to the media he insisted that he will not compete at Roland Garros if he does not consider himself ready. The main draw of the second Grand Slam of the season starts on Sunday and the draw takes place on Thursday, so its decision is almost imminent.
Perhaps the popular fervor that crept over his more than likely last presence in the tournament will help him, with a spectacular atmosphere this Monday under the retractable roof of the headquarters – it was raining in the French capital – and the wink of the speaker when he entered the track: “A well-known Spaniard here in Paris”.
In the first minutes each of his blows was accompanied by the clamor of the public. In a corner of the court you could see the tournament director, Amelie Mauresmoand to the Spaniard’s coach, the former world number 1, Carlos Moya. In the presidential stands, the ball catchers of the tournament crowded together so as not to miss the event. Total madness.
Nadal shared training with his coach Marc Lopezformer tennis player with whom he won doubles gold in Rio 2016, and a sparring French, Vivien Cobos. He exercised for an hour and 45 minutes, a little longer than planned, finishing before seven in the afternoon in Paris.
What did the Mallorcan do during his massive training session?
The legend showed more intensity from the first hour, also dedicating time to service, without the precautions he showed in Madrid at the end of April.
2024-05-20 18:49:33
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