Rafael Nadal’s name on the Monte Carlo list is positive news for him, although being on the entrance list does not guarantee a spot in the tournament.

Using a protected ranking of 9, the 22-time Grand Slam champion avoids the wildcard and is on the field for the first clay-court Masters 1000 of the year. The night before his first-round encounter at Indian Wells, Nadal announced his withdrawal, stating his lack of preparation for the top level of play.

Resuming play in Brisbane in January after nearly a year-long hip flexor injury, the 37-year-old Spaniard had to withdraw from the competition due to another muscle breakdown, but he has stated that he plans to retire after the 2024 season.

Nadal is the only player to win the championship more than three times in the open era with his 11 victories in the Monte Carlo Masters.

Naturally, it is still unclear if he will make it there because Nadal opted not to take a chance at Indian Wells and is still getting back to full fitness. Only once in the previous four years has Nadal participated in Monte Carlo.

Rafael Nadal in 2024

Now the world no.652, Nadal played his last match on the 5^th of January when he surrendered to world no.33 Jordan Thompson 5-7 7-6(6) 6-3 in the quarter in Brisbane (draw).

During this season the Spaniard achieved a composed 2-1 record.

Nadal is scheduled to play next in Barcelona (Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 15th of April.