Rafael Nadal is training on the clay at Roland Garros this week, but even that sign might be enough to guarantee that the Spanish icon will be fit enough to front up when the Grand Slam starts on Sunday.
Uncle and former coach Toni Nadal cast some slight doubt on the dream scenario of the 14-time Paris winner currently ranked 276th managing to make a start at the upcoming edition.
Nadal, who made a comeback onto clay last month after yet another months-long injury drama, has played just eight clay matches this spring, reaching the second round in Barcelona and Rome and the fourth round in Madrid.
“He is not going to drag himself down, he remains confident because of his mentality and the way he is,” the elder Nadal told Spanish media.
“He will not go to Roland Garros to lose in the second round, [he will go] only if he believes he can win the tournament.”
He added: “His dream finish would be to win Roland Garros and retire, but I think that, if he does, he will want to continue. He won’t retire.”
Main photo:- Toni Nadal Uncle and former coach to Rafa Nadal – by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd