Roger Federer believes Rafael Nadal is capable of having good results at the 2024 French Open.
The Swiss tennis maestro feels Nadal’s biggest problem will be recovering after matches while he expressed his hope that his former rival could also play next year.
Right now, it seems highly likely that Nadal is entering the final chapter of his French Open glory, although he has not ruled out the possibility of returning to the circuit next season.
Talking to media in a pre-tournament presser, the Spaniard said: “Is this my last Roland Garros? Probably yes, but I don’t want to say 100%.
“I don’t want to close the door. This place is magical for me. I may say yes in a couple of months, but I feel better than a month and a half ago.
“I am enjoying and feel competitive in training. I can play against anyone and I don’t feel worse than others. That gives me hope. I progressed since Rome, especially in terms of movement. I can run without limitations now.
“I’m not anxious, I’m focused on trying to play. Maybe I will repeat the disaster of Rome but in my mind I’m going to give myself a chance to be competitive here. The answer will be on Monday.”
The 22-time Grand Slam champion will be up against Alexander Zverev for a blockbuster opening round clash.
Nadal who will turn 38 during the event, has only able to appear in four tourneys since Jan 2023 when he picked the brutal hip injury at the Australian Open and underwent a surgery afterwards.
Federer who compiled victories in 16 of his 40 matches versus Nadal shared his thoughts on his former rival and best tennis friend’s Roland Garros prospects.
“Can he have a great Roland Garros? I think so. The day of rest between the rounds is exactly what he needs. Then there are the five sets and that is another question that he himself cannot answer,” the 20-time GS champion said on French television.
“But he had such an advantage in his best period that I still think he is capable of having a great Roland Garros. I don’t want to put pressure on him, although he can handle that too.
“The issue is not his level of play, from afar I have the impression that his biggest problem is recovery.”
The Grass maestro and former World No. 1, who called time on his glittering career in 2022, also hinted about Nadal reconsidering his retirement plans after French Open.
“I know how I felt at the end, but maybe it’s a little different because I wasn’t playing. What I see is someone who really tries to be on the court,” said Federer.
“If he says ‘ciao’, he will do it on a court and not on his couch, and I love that because he is very far from being 100%. It is such a personal decision that he has to choose. How he wants to do it, based on his body, as he honestly says.
“I don’t know anything, but I would like it to end as he has decided, with his family and his team. I would like him to continue on the circuit a little longer than people believe.
“I have heard many things, that the end could be during this Roland Garros or after the Olympic Games or that he will still be here next year, which I really hope. I am still a big fan of Rafa.”