French Open 2024: Rafael Nadal begins training, gets rousing welcome at main court

Rafael Nadal raised hopes of participating in this year’s French Open by arriving in Paris on Monday, June 20 and indulging in a bit of practice at the iconic Philippe Chatrier — the centre court at Roland Garros.

Nadal’s appearance in the French capital comes days after he said he was uncertain about playing in the French Open, a tournament that he has won 14 times.

Nadal was greeted by fans at the Philippe Chatrier with loud cheers as he walked on the court, sporting a white t-shirt and black trousers. Nadal was involved in an intense training session. The 22-time Grand Slam champion was seen hitting balls, signalling his intention to be ready in time for what would probably be his last attempt at winning the coveted prize at the clay-court Grand Slam.

Nadal has often stressed the importance of the Roland Garros in his career. The Spaniard, who has not had the best of times on the tour this year, will be doing all that is in his control to do well on the red dirt in Paris.

Nadal has struggled with injury concerns despite returning to the 2024 season after a long injury layoff. Nadal ended his 2023 season early and underwent surgery to treat a hip flexor injury he picked up at the Australian Open last year. The 14-time Roland Garros champion said the 2024 season might be his last on the professional circuit.

Nadal has a 7-4 win-loss record in 2024. The Spaniard has not gone past the Round of 16 stage in any of the four tournaments he played in 2024. After having missed the Australian Open, Nadal’s run on clay has been far from his best. The 37-year-old was hammered in straight sets in the third round of Rome Masters last week by Hubert HUrkacz, following raised concerns about his fitness.

“One is to say, ‘OK, I am not ready, I am not playing enough well’.” Another is to accept how I am today and work the proper way to try to be in a different way in two weeks,” Nadal said after his exit from Rome Masters.

“The decision, as you can imagine, is not clear in my mind today. But if I have to say what’s my feeling and if my mind is closer one way or the other way, I’m going to say be in Roland Garros and try my best. Physically I have some issues, but not probably yet enough to say not playing in the most important event of my tennis career,” he added.

The French Open gets underway in Paris from May 26.