Just imagine a scenario where a 6ft 1 inches tall lad with a headband, and a t-shirt drenched in sweat and mud is kneeling on the clay court and crying holding the silverware. Just close your eyes and hear those voices. The voices of around 15,000 devotees as they all bow down to the ‘King of Clay’ at the Roland Garros. Who comes to your mind? He might be a King but is worshiped like a God among his fans. He’s none other than 14-time French Open champion, Rafael Nadal. Can he recreate the historic moment for the 15th time in his career in 2024?

Well, Rafael Nadal had already hinted that the 2024 season could possibly be his last season on tour. So, he’d definitely be desperate for one last outing at his favorite Grand Slam. But before that, there are a lot of hurdles to overcome, and above all, he has to keep himself fit. And, here’s what his compatriot and a former number 2, Alex Corretja has to say on his chances on clay.

The 49YO Spanish former tennis player sheds light on the chances of Rafael Nadal in the upcoming events

Rafael Nadal suffered a hip injury during the Australian Open earlier this year, which took him out for the rest of the season. He underwent two surgeries after that and now the ‘GOAT’ is fully fit to make a comeback. Nadal is set to start his campaign at the Brisbane International, which will run from December 31 until January 7. Then he’ll travel to Melbourne to take part in the first Grand Slam of the season. Alex Corretja feels managing the workload will be extremely crucial for Rafa to stay fit for the rest of the season. Nadal had already missed the 2023 French Open, which was his first absence in the event since 2004.

So, the ‘Lion’ is hungrier than ever before, and here’s what Corretja said on Nadal’s chance at Roland Garros. “For me, if Rafa is able to play between 15 and 20 matches from January until Roland Garros. There is no doubt that he is going to be in very good shape to think about returning to success at Roland Garros. At best five sets, he knows he get into his territory. There is no one better in history than him.”

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Adding more power to his statement, Corretja continued, “That’s why I believe, honestly, that Rafa, if he has left of gasoline in the tank. I believe that he will bet everything to be at 100% in Roland Garros. That for me would be the ultimate goal to see if he is capable of something crazy, to score a 15 at Roland Garros.”

Despite Rafael Nadal’s ‘Winning Gene’, Veteran ATP Star Makes a Realistic Take On His Compatriot’s Return

Just like Novak Djokovic, even Corretja is convinced that Rafael Nadal will be at his best on his return and fight for titles. Alex Corretja even went on to add that he wants Nadal to be fit enough to team up with Carlos Alcaraz at the Paris Olympics and win a medal for their nation. But what is Rafael Nadal thinking about his comeback?

Nadal is looking forward to enjoying his comeback on the court

On Friday, the former world number one revealed that although he is ‘feeling good’, he’d rather keep himself away from the title races. Especially when he’s going to make a comeback after an almost year-long absence from competitive action. Nadal stated he’d rather look forward to enjoying his comeback.

However, when it comes to practice sessions, Nadal wasted no time and went straight to the Queensland Tennis Centre. That too, just after a few hours of his landing. Earlier he had gone to his academy in Kuwait to get adjusted to the similar conditions as of an Australian summer. So, as of now, the champ wants to take it one at a time, refraining from the long-term goals.

The French Open kick-starts on 20 May 2024 and will run till 9 June. Subsequently, the Paris Olympics will take place about a month later. Can Rafael Nadal bring back his dominance on the clay court?

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