Rafael Nadal stunned the spectators in attendance at the Netflix Slam exhibition match in Las Vegas by displaying physical prowess befitting his name. Even though it was merely an exhibition match, the two tennis players had good physical form throughout the three sets they played, especially considering Indian Wells. The contest was against his young countryman, Carlitos Alcaraz.
“The level of tennis is one thing, but the threat of injury is another. I felt much better than I had anticipated.” Thus, I’m hoping to come out of Indian Wells uninjured,” Rafael stated following the conclusion of his match with Alcaraz.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion conceded throughout the match that he felt good even though he lost to Carlitos in a super tie-break.
In an attempt to evaluate his condition in a formal competition, Rafael Nadal’s next encounter is scheduled for the ATP Masters 1000 in Indian Wells. His main objective for the season is to play as many matches as possible, with the clay season being his ultimate goal.
“Despite not having played for a long time, I felt much better than I had anticipated during the first set. I played good tennis.” I should definitely stay longer on the tour, if only to train with pros when I’m not required to play as many games. The most crucial thing is to get back into the rhythm, but my body will make the final call because I feel great mentally and still have a lot of passion, Rafael Nadal said in the post-match interview.
“I’m now considering Indian Wells, and after that, I’d really like to play in Monte Carlo, but I’ll have to gradually assess my health, gauge how I’ll feel, and decide which events I want to compete in. The 22-time Slam champion from Spain stated, “I’ll try to do what is best to achieve my goals, leaving myself open to some options.”
Stringer, Chris Unger and Rafael Nadal
The possibility for Nadal in Indian Wells
Rafa got put into the top half of the BNP Paribas Open, which is the first ATP Masters 1000 event of the year and will take place at Indian Wells in California. As previously said, the Spanish tennis player demonstrated a good physical level.
He may potentially achieve better outcomes if he were physically fit. Rafa could, however, attempt to conserve energy given his most recent health issues; after all, he is in Indian Wells to make up ground on the court and play as much as he can.
His goal remains constant: to give his all during his cherished clay season. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if Rafa doesn’t perform well at the BNP Paribas Open. But I’m confident that reaching the quarterfinals or even the semifinals wouldn’t be a dream come true if Rafa chose to play freely and to the fullest extent possible.
Rafa examined his circumstances and the near future in a conversation with MARCA on the eve of the Netflix Slam.
“To tell the truth, I have no idea how I’m doing. It’s been a while since I performed a set. The good news is that I am here already. It’s the least important thing right now, but I’m not sure what level I’ll be at. I can’t wait to play with Carlos in Las Vegas and train with other pros.
Trying to avoid injury when leaving Indian Wells is the top objective. If there’s one time I have to omit something, it’s before Clay. I still have 100% control over whether or not this is my final season.
If I were to go to Monte-Carlo, I would have to examine my emotions, my state of mind, and the location of my favorite places to play. I want to do the things that I genuinely want to do in order to be happy, so I will do my hardest to accomplish my goals,” he said.
Toni Nadal, his uncle, gave an explanation of his nephew’s decision to play in the BNP Paribas Open instead of going right to clay courts in an interview with AS a few days ago.
“Wells in India? He is forced to compete since he is without options. It’s not something he does very often. You cannot be prepared if you do not compete. Given how brilliantly he performed in his first few games, it is clear that the loss in Brisbane was tough to take. Although it was unfortunate, we must accept the outcome.
I try to be optimistic, and I still think he will win Roland Garros, but we’ll see how things pan out. My nephew should be a star at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, I hope.”
