Rafael Nadal has acknowledged that his future in tennis is unpredictable and that he has no idea if he will be able to play competitively every day.
After a tough victory over Pedro Cachin of Argentina, Nadal advanced to the Madrid Open’s fourth round. However, during his press conference, Nadal confessed that he had no idea what was ahead.
Nadal expressed his thoughts in a recent interview and said: “I found a way to get through. In the third, I was able to be more unpredictable and I think that changed the match. I’m enjoying the fact that I’m playing at home because it means everything to me and I’m trying my best to keep dreaming—and tomorrow is another day.”
In his press conference, he appeared much more thoughtful as he acknowledged that, while he works to manage his continuing injury concerns, he wakes up every day uncertain of whether he will be able to play.
Nadal added: “It is more unpredictable for me now. I used to not be very unpredictable. I have been very regular in terms of emotions and tennis, building every day. More or less stable. Now I am more unpredictable for my opponents and especially for myself. That is the way the tournament works. I play tomorrow. I need to find a way to be able to play days in a row and be competitive. I don’t know if I am in that moment yet; let’s see what happens. I’m just happy to be on court again and I hope to be ready. I need to wait, to be 100 % honest. Something can happen when you play a match like I did against Cachin.”
Rafa Nadal after beating Cachin in Madrid
“You’ve talked about your physical struggles over the last few months. When you’re on this court, how much of the experience is pleasure and how much is pain?”
Rafa: “Now I’m enjoying. Let’s see how I wake up tomorrow, no? I don’t know.… pic.twitter.com/OxL6CaY1An
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 29, 2024
Nadal in Madrid, ranking, and results in 2024
Now the world no.512, Rafael achieved a 6-2 win-loss record in 2024. The Spaniard is currently competing in Madrid where he overcame Darwin Blanch 6-1 6-0, the world no.11 Alex De Minaur 7-66 6-3 and the world no.91 Pedro Cachin 6-1 6-75 6-3.
Rafael Nadal will face the world no.31 Jiri Lehecka in the 4th round on Tuesday at 10:30 pm on MANOLO SANTANA STADIUM. In the past, they have never competed against each other so far on the main tour.
The Spaniard won 92 titles in his career: 24 on hard courts, 63 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 4 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
He is also scheduled to play at the French Open (French Open) after Rome. The main draw will start on the 8th of May.
