It is clear that he is not the same dynamic, unrelenting superstar he once was, but the technical quality he possesses has never left him.
And showcasing that raw physicality which earned him such stardom in bursts, it does feel like at times we get a brief glimpse of the 37-year-old rolling back the years as he lasers a backhand cross-court, or thunders a forehand past his stranded opponent.
His Rome Open exit to Hubert Hurkacz was disappointing, and added further fuel to the worrisome flame burning over his potential Roland Garros attendance.
The latest news is brought by Spanish outlet AS, who have revealed that Nadal will in fact play at Roland Garros for one final time.But this report has assuaged all fears, as it states: ‘After losing with bad feelings in the second round of the Masters 1000 of Rome, against the Polish and number nine in the world, Hubert Hurkacz, Rafa Nadal returned on Sunday to Manacor immersed in a sea of doubts.
There had been much speculation regarding his availability to do so despite his apparent return to fitness, and at times he threw his appearance into extreme uncertainty as he questioned his own capability to compete.
Happy to just leave with the memories he already has rather than forge newer, potentially bitter ones, there was severe worry from the tennis community that the King of Clay would not return to his favoured court.
But this report has assuaged all fears, as it states: ‘After losing with bad feelings in the second round of the Masters 1000 of Rome, against the Polish and number nine in the world, Hubert Hurkacz, Rafa Nadal returned on Sunday to Manacor immersed in a sea of doubts.
