“Rafa doesn’t need to prove anything,” Alex Corretja believes Spaniard’s presence will be cherished at the French Open
Rafael Nadal is all set to feature in what could be his last French Open appearance. Having won 14 titles on the Parisian clay, the Spaniard has rightfully earned the title of ‘King of Clay.’ Former Spanish tennis player Alex Corretja believes that the 22-time Grand Slam champion has nothing left to prove.
Speaking to Eurosport, Alex Corretja mentioned that Rafael Nadal should not feel the burden of being a 14-time champion in Paris. He believes that fans will be more than happy to just come and watch him play, which would also be a great thing for the tournament.
After bowing out in the second round of the Italian Open, Rafael Nadal reached Paris a week before the tournament commences. He has also trained quite a bit on the main court to get used to the conditions.
“We are waiting Rafa. Yes. Open arms for him. Everybody is hoping that he’s going to be healthy and that we know that he’s getting ready. He’s been practicing on Chatrier to test himself and I think he needs to let it go, just go for everything he has. I think it’s difficult to talk from the outside, but I hope that he can just go there and just do whatever he can,” said Corretja to Eurosport.
“It’s going to be something unbelievable” : Corretja on Nadal’s participation at the French Open
Alex Corretja believes that the atmosphere inside the stadium is going to unbelievable when Rafael Nadal steps on to the court. The Spaniard has already announced that he could well retire at the end of the season due to his recurrent injury issues.
“I’m not expecting anything, it’s just go play and whatever comes is going to be a gift. He doesn’t need to prove anything else. Not even to himself, not even to the whole world,” Corretja said.
“So if he is able to be there and play one match, two matches, three matches, every match, every time he jumps on court he will be given the recognition he deserves. It’s going to be a party. It’s going to be something unbelievable and the crowd is going to be crazy with him. That’s why we need Rafa in the tournament. I think it’s going to be a major thing to have him in Roland-Garros this year,” he added.
Rafael Nadal was defeated in the second round of the Italian Open by Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets. The Spaniard did have a couple of chances in the opening set, but failed to convert any of his break points. The veteran’s best run of form came at the Madrid Masters, where he reached the last 16, losing to Jiri Lehecka in straight sets. The 37-year-old has been practicing at a very high intensity over the past week, as he gears up for the French Open.
