Rafael Nadal ‘will not reach the top’ at French Open says renowned coach

The former coach of Serena Williams, Patrick Mouratoglou, has argued that Rafael Nadal is going to struggle to be successful at this year’s French Open due to a lack of match preparation. 

The 35-year-old Rafael Nadal, who has not played since his defeat in the final of the Indian Wells Masters to Taylor Fritz, is set to return this week at the Madrid Masters with the aim of clinching his sixth title in the Spanish capital.

Before his 6-week injury lay off, the Spanish veteran was on a blistering run of form which included title wins in Acapulco and Melbourne as well as capturing a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title. 

As a result of the injury, the ‘King of Clay’ has not yet competed on his beloved red dirt this season and has already missed the Monte Carlo Masters and the Barcelona Open due to the rib injury.

The Spaniard usually competes at all the clay Masters events as well as the Barcelona Open with the ATP veteran holding the record for the most titles won at each event.

But with his preparation disrupted due to a spell on the sidelines, Simona Halep’s newly appointed coach Patrick Mouratoglou has suggested that the 21-time Grand Slam winner faces a tough task if he is to regain his crown at Roland Garros this year.

“Rafael Nadal is not going to play many matches, and it is extremely rare that he arrives at Roland Garros with so few matches.

“So, for Roland-Garros, there is a real unknown for him. Despite his incredible start to the season, he is a player who has always needed to play a lot (before Roland Garros). He will not reach the top.”

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