French tournament director ‘crossing fingers’ for Rafael Nadal to be fit for French Open

French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo has admitted she hopes that Grand Slam legend Rafael Nadal will be fully fit to play at Roland Garros next week. 

Rafael Nadal has faced a spate of injuries this season, most notably his cracked rib sustained at the Indian Wells Masters in March which forced him to miss the majority of the European clay court swing.

Last week, the 35-year-old Rafael Nadal suffered yet another injury set back. During his loss to Canada’s Denis Shapovalov in three sets at the Madrid Open, the 21-time Grand Slam winner admitted afterwards that he is “living” with a persistent foot injury – the same injury which kept him out at the end of the 2021 season.

It was Nadal’s earliest exit in Rome since 2008, and it raised questions about his fitness ahead of the French Open, which starts on May 22.

Discussing the ATP veteran’s injury woes, former Wimbledon champion Amelie Mauresmo has stated that organisers are “crossing their fingers” that the record 13-time winner will be able to compete at this year’s event.

Speaking exclusively to Eurosport, the 42-year-old told reporters, “I followed what Rafa experienced in Rome.

“And he knows himself better than anyone. It’s an injury that he’s been living with for years.

“So, of course, there’s a concern for him first because we know how important coming to Roland-Garros is to him and it’s probably shaped all of that, all of his legend, in a way.

“So we’re following it… I would say carefully, but there’s nothing we can do. We’re just obviously all crossing our fingers to get the best players in the draw.

“Then, what would it mean if he were to eventually not play in the tournament? Obviously, he would be a miss.”

🎾 Social >> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube

🎾 Read >> World’s best tennis magazine

🎾 Watch >> How to enjoy ATP/WTA/Slam tennis on TV

🎾 Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted partner

🎾 Gambling >> Betway tennis odds