Home » Rafael Nadal is concerned, according to his teammate.

Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Major winner, is someone who Feliciano Lopez, the director of the Madrid Masters competition, would want to see in the draw. Lopez hopes to see Nadal back in action as soon as possible despite his continuing hip issue.

Feliciano worries about his close friend, who has endured a year of pain from injuries. Lopez encourages his countryman and Davis Cup teammate to play again soon so he can perform at his peak in Roland Garros.

Last June, Nadal won his 14th Roland Garros title while dealing with foot problems and making every attempt to win his 22nd Major title. After a seven-millimeter abdominal rip, the Spaniard retired after reaching the Wimbledon semifinal.

By the end of the year, Nadal had only participated in nine matches, and he was unable to start over in 2023. Rafa dropped both of his United Cup contests and lacked both confidence and rhythm going into the Australian Open. The Spaniard’s left hip injury in the second round against Mackenzie McDonald made matters worse.

Rafa was defeated by Mackenzie in straight sets, and it is still the final contest for a major champion. In an effort to return in Madrid and Rome and regain his rhythm before Roland Garros, Nadal skipped Doha, Dubai, Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, and Barcelona.

Feliciano Lopez discussed Rafael Nadal‘s injuries and his performance.

“As your friend, I worry more. Rafa’s main goal in terms of his tennis is to get to Roland Garros prepared, so let’s see whether he can accomplish that. However, it concerns me more personally.

A player who has achieved success throughout his life is currently experiencing this. He should get better soon, and it would be fantastic if he could compete in Madrid. In Madrid, people are eager to see him perform and are waiting for him. Every time he plays in Madrid, the locals always show him a lot of support, so I’m concerned that this issue may last for a little while longer.

The same thing happened to Roger Federer, who had to retire due to injury after playing a half-assed doubles match. Although there was a good cause for it, I don’t think it was what he had envisioned given all he had accomplished.

I’m hoping Rafa’s injury won’t be too serious and that he’ll be back on the court in a week or two. Rafa was our best player ever, thus Carlos Alcaraz‘s ascent is miraculous. Sport in Spain is incredibly appreciative. I don’t know how many players can say that for themselves, but we’re talking about a teenager who won a Major and shot to the top of the global rankings,” Feliciano Lopez remarked.