Rafael Nadal is starting off his tour on court after being on a break since Indian Wells. He had suffered from a rib injury and was focusing on recovery. Now, he is making a comeback at the Madrid Open and will continue his tour. The Spaniard will play Roland Garros this year and former world no. 1 Justine Henin gives her opinion on Nadal’s chances of winning the major.

Justine Henin on the comeback of Rafael Nadal

Former world no. 1 Justine Henin has voiced her thoughts regarding Nadal’s comeback for the Madrid Open after skipping Barcelona and Monte Carlo Masters.

“In Madrid, it’s his home, even if it’s not the tournament where he’s at his best.” The Belgian player elaborated on the preferences of the court of the Rafa. She stated, “In Madrid, the pitch is very compact, and it depends on the playing conditions. Rafa often likes to have a little more space. That’s why he is so comfortable at Roland-Garros.” 

Rafa had a great start of the year when he won the Australian Open, becoming the first man to have 21 grand slam titles under his name. Additionally, he also won the Mexican Open.

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Strong zeal needed for Roland Garros

Henin further expects the Spanish player to play for French Open with a strong mindset this year.

“The question is, can he still win Roland-Garros at least once? If physically he is able to prepare properly, I think that the desire for revenge compared to the defeat in last year’s semifinal will be huge.” 

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During the pre-tournament press at Madrid Master, Rafael Nadal has made it clear that he is playing the tournament not to win but to have enough matches under his belt. It remains to be seen how successful the Spaniard gets in his comeback quest on the European clay-court summer.