In other words, to hope to once again be worthy of the nicknames that forged his legend – the “Bull of Manacor” or the ogre of ocher – he will probably have to deny his deep nature which is to do everything background, at least initially. Is the Mallorcan capable of it? At the age of 37, he certainly does not lack experience in the perilous exercise of a comeback and that is a significant asset.
Two encouraging precedents including a recent one
Since 2003 and his Grand Slam debut at Wimbledon, Nadal has withdrawn from a Major 14 times, not counting retirements or withdrawals during tournaments. This shows that injuries and their management have always been part of the equation of his career. But these glitches have not systematically caused long periods of downtime. In terms of remarkable durations of unavailability, two precedents stand out: 223 days (i.e. 7 and a half months) between Wimbledon 2012 and Vina del Mar 2013 and 154 days (i.e. five months) between Washington 2021 and Melbourne 2022. And an observation s imposed in both cases: the backlash had been exceptional.
- In 2013, Nadal won his second tournament, winning a total of 10 titles including 2 Grand Slams (Roland-Garros, US Open).
- In 2022, he triumphed in his return tournament, winning 4 titles including 2 Grand Slams (Australian Open, Roland-Garros)
With his last miraculous rebirth only being less than two years old, a certain optimism does not seem misplaced at first glance about his ability to play again at the highest level. But on closer inspection, the picture is less idyllic. Firstly because at this stage of his career, the years that pass count double. At 37 well past spring, the Majorcan no longer has the same resources as at 35, physical alerts multiplying since 2022 (rib, left foot, abdominals and hip).
A disabling ranking and the need to continue
Then because this time, he hasn’t played for almost a year, with a major consequence: his fall in the rankings. Now 664th in the world, while he was 5th in Vina del Mar in 2013 and 6th in Melbourne in 2022, Nadal will certainly benefit from a protected ranking but not from the top seed status which assured him more affordable matches during his returns. previous ones. However, to find an interesting level of play, if not his best, he will have to play a series of matches.
And this is perhaps why Nadal chose to resume so early, at the risk of losing quickly during his first outings. By launching from the very start of the season, he has given himself some margin between now and spring on clay, which should constitute his last big career objective with the dream of a 15th title at Roland-Garros and the Games. Paris Olympics on its favorite surface. Because if the Majorcan can accept having difficulties on hard, he will inevitably be more ambitious in his kingdom.
“Nadal, the end of the miracle?”
It is in this sense that we can interpret the end of his video message on Monday. “In the not so distant future things can change if I keep the desire, the work ethic and if the physique responds, of course“, he estimated. Nadal knows that if his body leaves him a little alone, he will be able to gradually push his limits, become demanding again and play with the intensity that could allow him to regain full confidence. And then , yet another exploit would perhaps not be so unthinkable, although improbable.
He wins the majority of his matches at Roland just by entering the court
The extent of his hegemony on Parisian clay – 14 titles, 112 victories for 3 defeats and a statue in his likeness – has so deeply marked people’s minds that, even if his aura is damaged by his long absence, Nadal could well be ‘use it. Nick Kyrgios believes in it in any case, as he explained as an exceptional consultant for Tennis Channel during the last Masters.
“I think Nadal wins the majority of his matches at Roland just by entering the court. You know, I played it one year in Rome as a best of three sets, and I couldn’t walk the next day. So you imagine in five sets… I think most players don’t want to see it at Roland Garros“, he considered. Let us also remember that Roger Federer reached the quarter-finals of his last Wimbledon in 2021 when he was far from being 100% physically, even if his tennis was undoubtedly less demanding from this point of view.
And the Australian insists on the simple pleasure of seeing the Majorcan at work again: “I don’t really have any expectations in terms of results, I just want to see him play again. The tennis world misses him. We had some great battles on the courts. I just want him to play as long as possible. It’s still surreal to me that Federer is no longer here.” These legends have trivialized miracles so much in recent years, so why not hope for a new one? The game is worth the effort, no matter if this final attempt ultimately ends up being a farewell tour.