The return of Rafael Nadal to professional tennis is still up in the air after the 22-time Grand Slam champion played down a recent social media post confirming that he will be playing at the Monte Carlo Masters.
Nadal hasn’t played a match since his second round loss to Mackenzie Mcdonald at the Australian Open in January due to a hip injury. His absence from the Tour has resulted in him falling out of the world’s top 10 for the first time since 2005. It is the latest setback for the former world No.1 who was hampered by a flare-up of his long-term foot condition, Mueller-Weiss Syndrome, last year.
Recently the social media channels of the Monte Carlo Masters have claimed that Nadal is highly likely to be playing in their event which will begin on April 8th. In one Twitter post published last Thursday, organizers wrote “we’re eager to welcome the legend Rafael Nadal. He is definitely able to win his 12th trophy in Monte Carlo despite his last injury.”
Meanwhile, tournament director David Massey has also claimed that the 35-year-old is keen to play in the Masters 1000 tournament.
“Rafa was the first registered player,” Massey said in a statement.“He really wants to play in the Monte Carlo Masters and is giving himself every opportunity to participate in the tournament that he likes so much.”
However, Nadal has since confirmed that no decision has been made about if he will be ready to play at the event. During an interview with Marca, the Spaniard admits that he still doesn’t know when he will be able to play tennis again. Although Nadal’s goal is to be fully fit in time for his title defence at the French Open later this year.
“I do not know who revealed this information. but obviously if it was true I would confirm it to you but unfortunately I can not confirm it,” said Nadal.
“I follow my programme and I do not know when I will play again, that’s the truth. I am in a phase of increasing work. If I knew when I was going to come back I would say so, but I don’t know.
“I cannot confirm that I will play in Monte Carlo, things are being seen day by day. I prefer to say things when I really know them.”
Nadal has won the Monte Carlo Masters a record 11 times but his last triumph at the tournament was back in 2018.
