Nadal's 'encouraging' report ahead of Roland Garros

Rafael Nadal brings positive news to his adoring fans ahead of the Spaniard’s first Roland Garros appearance since 2022. Preparing for just his fifth tournament of the year, the 14-time champion has made noticeable physical progress, even since competing in Rome two weeks ago.

“I am improving in different ways. I have less limitations than three, four weeks ago, without a doubt,” Nadal said in Saturday’s press conference. “I am having a good week of practices. I probably will say this is the first week since I came back playing tennis that I am able to run the proper way without having a lot of limitations. That encourages me.

“In the practices, without a doubt I improved. Especially in terms of movements. So I don't feel the limitations that I felt in Rome in terms of running to both sides, so that's a lot for me.”

This fortnight is likely to be Nadal’s final showing at the season’s second major, where he boasts an unrivalled 112-3 match record across 18 appearances. But save the emotional farewell for another day: the former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings cited three important reasons why he continues to relish each moment on Tour.

“In some way I don't want to close the door 100 per cent, because of a very simple thing," Nadal said. "First thing, I am enjoying playing tennis. Second thing, I am travelling with [my] family. They are enjoying it. I am enjoying sharing all this process with them. And third thing, I was not able to explore yet the proper way of how I will be able to play being in more or less healthy conditions, playing without limitation.”

While Nadal enters Paris in his best physical shape this clay season, luck drew him no favours to begin the tournament. The 22-time major titlist faces fourth seed and Rome champion Alexander Zverev in a blockbuster first-round match. Nadal learned of his place in the draw while indulging in a Spanish board game.

“I was playing some Parchis and at some point somebody told me the draw. Something that I expected in some way, no? When you are not seeded, anything can happen,” Nadal said. “I play against one of the toughest opponents possible, and at the same time, he came here winning the last event and it's a Masters 1000. It's not a small one.”

No matter his place in the field of 128, Nadal is glad to be healthy and able to compete at the tournament he has dominated the past two decades.

“I am grateful that I am able to be in Roland Garros and give myself a chance to play at least one more time here. Maybe the last one, maybe not,” he said with a laugh. “It’s a big, big chance that it's going to be my last Roland Garros, but if I have to tell you it's 100 per cent my last Roland Garros, sorry, but I will not because I cannot predict what's going on.”