Rafael Nadal will have a "real challenge" at the French Open 2023, believes Chris Evert
Tennis legend Chris Evert has stated that Rafael Nadal will face a "real challenge" at the 2023 French Open.
Nadal has won the French Open a record 14 times. However, the defending champion's chances at the Major at 2023 Roland-Garros appear to have been jeopardized due to an injury sustained during the Australian Open.
In an interview with Eurosport, Chris Evert stated that the Spaniard does not need to be mentally and emotionally protected, but rather be physically healthy. Regardless, she believes the French Open will be a tough one for him due to all the demands of a Major.
"Again, I don't think he needs to protect himself from the mental or emotional part of his game. I think it's more just keeping your body as healthy as possible," Evert said.
"And you know what? The French Open again, clay, longer rallies, longer matches, the spotlight on it. That's going to be a real challenge," she added.
"What Rafael Nadal has to do for the future is really preserve his body" - Chris Evert
Chris Evert then commented on Rafael Nadal's injury, which forced him to withdraw from Indian Wells. She stated that, while the Spaniard's injuries have not been "catastrophic," he must take great care in order to preserve his body.
"His injuries have not been too catastrophic, where he stays out for a year, like many other players. But what Rafa has to do for the future is really preserve his body, because he has been a warrior and there has been a lot of wear and tear because he gives 100% in training and gives 100% in matches," Evert said.
"And he's a very physical player. And again, his style is simply to survive, to outdo his opponent. So he's spent many hours hitting balls," she added further.
With Taylor Fritz's run to the semifinals at Acapulco last week, Rafael Nadal will officially drop out of the Top 10 after Indian Wells on March 20. This will bring an end to the ATP rankings' longest top 10 streak, which lasted 912 weeks.
By reaching the ATP 500 semifinals, Fritz ensured that he would be at least the 10th player with more ranking points than the Spaniard following Indian Wells. This is despite the fact that Fritz will be defending 1,000 points at the Masters 1000 event for winning the title last year.