‘Rafa Isn’t Well Ranked’ – Amid Grueling Speculations, 36-Year-Old Rafael Nadal’s French Open Chances Ranked by In-Form Russian Opponent

Apr 15, 2023 | 10:34 AM EDT

‘Rafa Isn’t Well Ranked’ – Amid Grueling Speculations, 36-Year-Old Rafael Nadal’s French Open Chances Ranked by In-Form Russian Opponent

Apr 15, 2023 | 10:34 AM EDT

For Rafael Nadal, the 2023 French Open offers yet another opportunity to cement his legacy as the greatest clay court player of all time. However, unfortunately for the fourteen-time French Open champion, fitness is a concern heading into the tournament. Nadal fans were expecting to see the Spaniard set the clay court alight beginning with the Monte Carlo Masters. However, Nadal pulled out of the tournament and looks a doubt for the French Open.

In a recent interview, current World No. 5 Daniil Medvedev opined on the possibility of Nadal missing out. He also shared why he thinks Nadal is the favorite even at the grand old age of 36.

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Rafael Nadal ranking may affect potential French Open meeting, claims Medvedev

Right now, Nadal is World No. 15 in the ATP rankings. According to Medvedev, this is likely to impact their potential meeting at the 2023 French Open. Medvedev said, “Rafa isn’t well ranked, I might meet him before” suggesting that a match early on in the tournament is possible.

Daniil Medvedev on possibility of playing Nadal at Roland Garros: “Rafa isn’t well ranked, I might meet him before, but I believe he will play French Open, although I’m not in his body. I don’t want to talk for him. He won 14 times this Grand Slam, so he will be the favorite.” pic.twitter.com/h7sC7kNYR1
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 15, 2023

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There are several question marks surrounding Nadal’s fitness, but Medvedev believes “he will play French Open”. The Russian went on to say, “I’m not in his body. I don’t want to talk for him.”

Medvedev also explained why Nadal will be the favorite if he gets back to full fitness ahead of the tournament. “He won 14 times this Grand Slam, so he will be the favorite.” Medvedev’s right. Despite the fact that Nadal’s aging and his powers are slowly but surely waning, he remains the ultimate clay court player.

In 2022, Medvedev and Nadal clashed in the Australian Open final, where Nadal emerged victorious.

Why is Nadal’s French Open appearance a serious doubt?

At the 2023 Australian Open, Nadal picked up a left leg muscle injury. Since sustaining the injury, he has not played a minute of competitive tennis, and reports suggest that the Spaniard is still recovering. To facilitate his recovery, Nadal withdrew from four tournaments, which include the Monte Carlo Masters and the upcoming Barcelona Open.

It seems like Nadal is in a race against time to be fit for his favorite stage of all in tennis. Tennis fans will also be hopeful that the King of Clay returns to fitness ahead of May 28, the day the 2023 French Open starts.

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Written by

Sudipto Pati

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Sudipto is a Tennis writer at EssentiallySports. He completed his graduation in Journalism and Mass Communication in 2012. His passion for writing became a full-time profession in 2019 after working as a musician and travelling educator. Rafael Nadal's aggressive and never-say-die approach to tennis inspired him to follow the sport closely from the early 2000s, and since then, his love for it has only continued to grow. When not following the exploits of the 'King of Clay' on the ATP Tour, Sudipto can be seen expressing his love for music.

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Arijit Saha