Rafael Nadal plays five days a week and the idea is for him to start in Monte Carlo: David Ferrer hopeful of Spaniard's clay comeback
David Ferrer stated that Rafael Nadal is looking to be back on the court during the Monte Carlo Masters.
Nadal last appeared on tour during the Australian Open, where he suffered a disappointing second-round exit at the hands of Mackenzie McDonald. He also suffered an injury during the match that saw him withdraw from a number of tournaments, including the Indian Wells and Miami Masters. As a result, he fell out of the top 10 for the first time since he first entered in 2005.
The Spaniard is looking to make a comeback during the clay-court season and is on the entry list for the Monte Carlo Masters and, more recently, the Barcelona Open.
Nadal missed both tournaments last season due to a rib injury he suffered during the Indian Wells Masters final. However, he is looking to compete in the events this year.
Barcelona Open tournament director David Ferrer was asked about Nadal's availability for the tournament during the presentation of its 70th edition at the Real Club de Tennis de Barcelona.
The former World No. 3 responded by saying that the 36-year-old is playing five days a week and aims to return to action in Monte Carlo.
"Today I have been speaking with his representative and he is training on land. He plays five days a week and the idea is for him to start in Monte Carlo (April 9), a week before our tournament," Ferrer said.
Other players who are on the entry list for the Barcelona Open include reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Casper Ruud, and Daniil Medvedev.
"Rafael Nadal was the first player to sign up"- Monte Carlo Masters tournament director David Massey
Monte-Carlo Masters tournament director David Massey claimed that Rafael Nadal was the first player to sign up for the event.
“Rafa was the first player to sign up. He wants to play in Monaco and is giving himself every chance to be able to participate in this tournament that he loves so much, and which he has won eleven times in singles, including a record eight consecutive titles between 2005 and 2012," Massey said.
Nadal's last victory at the Monte Carlo Masters came in 2018 when he beat Kei Nishikori 6-3, 6-2 in the final.
His last appearance in the Masters 1000 tournament came in 2021 when he reached the quarter-finals before losing to eventual runner-up Andrey Rublev.