Rafael Nadal had one of the best starts to the year in 2022, winning three titles including a Grand Slam title. Returning from an injury that had him benched for over six months, along with a bout of covid, he won his first title at the Melbourne Summer Set. He continued his winning streak through the Australian Open, and Mexican Open and reached the finals at the Indian Wells Masters as well. But he sustained a stress-induced fracture to his ribs, which cast a shadow on his clay season preparations.

Uncle Toni reveals Rafael Nadal’s clay schedule

Rafael Nadal has been recovering from his injury since the Indian Wells, and it was doubtful about how much match practice he would get before the French Open, this year. His uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal recently opened up about his nephew’s clay-court preparations.

Recently Nadal has been posting a few pictures and videos of himself on the red dirt, getting some rotations in. But he is still far away from the elite-level competition. Uncle Toni recently said that his nephew was aiming to make a comeback at the Madrid Open, where the Spaniard is a five-time champion.

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“I think so. Rafa told me that he expects to play in Madrid. There are 15 days left to see if everything evolves properly and if he can be really fit. Otherwise, it could be complicated for Roland Garros which is his main objective,” he said when asked about his nephew’s clay schedule.

Having resumed light training, Nadal should be hopeful of making a comeback soon on the tour aiming to gather some steam before entering Roland Garros.

The Spaniard’s insane clay records

The Spaniard’s numbers on clay are incredible and invincible. Not only does he have the longest single-surface match winning streak on clay with 81 wins, he also has an insane 464-43 win-loss record here.

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He has won the French Open a record 13 times. In addition, he has won 12  Barcelona Open titles, 11 at Monte-Carlo Masters, and 10 titles at Rome Masters in his illustrious career. These insane numbers are enough to prove the former World No. 1’s prowess on the surface.

With an injury-hit season, can Nadal bounce back once to once again reign supreme at Roland Garros?