Rafael Nadal's desire for revenge will be huge following French Open SF loss last year: Justine Henin
After an injury break sidelined him for over a month, Rafael Nadal will return to action at the Madrid Open, which begins on 1 May.
The Spaniard, who sustained a stress fracture in his ribs at the Indian Wells Open last month, is a five-time title-holder at the event and will be looking to build his form ahead of the French Open.
Justine Henin, Patrick Mouratoglou, and Michael Llodra, who are tennis experts for France Televisions, provided their opinions on how far Rafael Nadal could go in the upcoming French Open.
Former Belgian great Justine Henin stressed that the Frenchman's desire to avenge his semifinal loss to Novak Djokovic will bring out the best in the Spaniard subject to him being physically prepared ahead of the tournament.
"The question is, can he still win Roland-Garros at least once? If physically he is able to prepare properly, I think that the desire for revenge compared to the defeat in last year's semifinal will be huge."
Three-time doubles Grand Slam winner Michael Llodra opined that although Nadal feels at home in Madrid, the Spaniard has been relatively more comfortable at Roland Garros.
"In Madrid, it's his home, even if it's not the tournament where he's at his best. In Madrid, the pitch is very compact and it depends on the playing conditions. Rafa often likes to have a little more space, that's why he is so comfortable at Roland-Garros."
Renowned coach and sports commentator Patrick Mouratoglou was of the opinion that Nadal's lack of match practice may hamper his progress at the French Open.
"Rafael Nadal did not going to play many games, and it is extremely rare that he arrives at Roland with so few games. So, for Roland-Garros, there is a real unknown for him. Despite his incredible start to the season, he is a player who has always needed to play a lot. He will not reach the top."
Rafael Nadal's history and record at Madrid Open
The Mallorcan is a record five-time champion at the Madrid Open, having first won the tournament in 2005.
After losing to Roger Federer in the 2009 final, Nadal got one back against the Swiss in the final in 2010.
The Spaniard made it a hat-trick of finals but lost to Novak Djokovic in 2011. The Spaniard won back-to-back titles in 2013 and 2014, before losing to an in-form Andy Murray in the title clash in 2015.
The 21-time Grand-Slam winner last won the title in 2017 and hasn't made it to the final of the Madrid Open since.