Rafael Nadal comeback at Madrid Open ‘risky’ reveals worried pundit

Former world number two Alex Corretja has claimed Rafael Nadal will be taking a massive risk if he makes his return from injury at the Madrid Masters next month.

35-year-old Rafael Nadal has had a fantastic start to the 2022 season. In fact, after going 20-0 before losing in the final of the Indian Wells Masters, it is his best start to a season ever.

A fourth career Acapulco title in February and a run to the final at Indian Wells Masters last month followed.

However, Nadal’s sensational run and progress was cut short as he suffered a cracked rib in California which placed him out of action for four to six weeks.

The injury means Nadal has missed the start of the European clay court swing, including this week’s Barcelona Open.

Four weeks on from his cracked rib diagnosis, Rafael Nadal announced on Instagram that his recovery plans were right on schedule, as he took to the court for the first time in a month.

Speculation arose as to when Nadal’s return would be, however Toni Nadal confirmed his nephew’s aspirations to play at the Caja Magica next month. 

Eurosport pundit Alex Corretja has now questioned Nadal’s ambitions to return in Madrid believing it may not be the best place to do so and could even hamper his preparations for the French Open in May.

“I think the major decision for Rafa will be go to Madrid or not. This is probably the most difficult part for Rafa because I believe from what we heard and what we saw that he is practicing.

“In a regular situation he might be ready to play Madrid, but is Madrid the perfect place for Rafa to come back?

“Knowing that it’s the altitude and that through the clay-court season, that was the place that he usually felt a little bit more uncomfortable because he’s got so much power and he doesn’t control the ball as much as he likes, he’s got some opponents that hurt him in Madrid that usually don’t do [so] in a sea-level place.”

Corretja continued saying it will be down to Nadal’s personal preference if he is to play in the Spanish capital, “So is he going to be ready for Madrid? Maybe he is ready, but I’m not so sure that it will be his pick to get back in Madrid.

“If he’s healthy, probably he will go, but I think he will need to think what is best for him in order to be perfect for Roland Garros because [whilst] it would be great if he can be in Madrid and it would be unbelievable if he can be in Rome, he can’t hide that his main goal is to be perfect for Paris.

“And what’s the best preparation for Paris? Two tournaments including that one in Madrid or skip and practice and get ready in Rome to see how it goes? And then Paris – only time will tell that. But it’s going to be a very tricky decision because skipping Madrid would be a pity for him.

“But at the same time, we know how risky Madrid is from a professional point of view.”

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