Rafael Nadal made a shocking revelation about his French Open participation that not many in the tennis world might have expected. He revealed that he would participate in the tournament only if he was capable of competing. This sent shockwaves in the tennis circuit as this could potentially be Nadal’s last French Open tournament before he calls time on his illustrious career. Despite this revelation, tennis legend and Roger Federer’s ex-coach, Ivan Ljubicic, was hopeful about seeing Nadal in Paris.

In the ongoing Madrid Open, Nadal is going strong and has reached the pre-quarterfinals of the tournament. He has looked in good shape throughout the tournament and as a result, Ljubicic sees Nadal participating in the French Open.

Ivan Ljubicic points out the ‘champion mentality’ of Rafael Nadal

During an interview, the interviewer asked Ljubicic if it was possible to not see Nadal play at the French Open after his grim admission. Replying to this, Federer’s former coach revealed, “We’re seeing him for 20 years, we know his champion mentality. Like Federer at Wimbledon, he will only play in Paris if he thinks he can get to the bottom, not to make a presence.”

Further, he went on to add, “If he says so it means that he is not in condition. He knows very well what he needs, let’s see if in the weeks here missing he will find the right feelings.”

Like Ljubicic, millions of Nadal’s fans across the globe hope to see Nadal play at Roland Garros. While a shot at a title seems unlikely given his lengthy absence from the sport, even a few wins in the tournament will do a world of good for his fans. However, Nadal has admitted that he has goals beyond the French Open and that it won’t be the end of the world if he fails to play in Paris.

“If I can’t play, I can’t” – Nadal on Roland Garros

The Spaniard has taken his comeback cautiously and doesn’t want to risk another injury at this point of his career. Thus, he is unsure of playing in the French Open as he isn’t back to complete fitness.

Opening up about his Paris dreams, Nadal said, “If I can play, I play. If I can’t play, I can’t. It won’t be the end of the world or the end of my career. If I arrive Paris the way I feel today, I will not play. I will play Roland Garros if I feel competitive.”

Further, he added, “I still got goals after Roland Garros, like the Olympics.” While Nadal is still going strong in Madrid, a good showing here will definitely boost his French Open chances. Do you think Nadal will play in the clay-court Grand Slam tournament? Let us know your views in the comments below.