"Needs matches and needs that physical feedback": Rafael Nadal will have early target in mind for retirement decision says Andy Roddick

Andy Roddick commented that the Monte-Carlo Masters will be crucial to assess Rafael Nadal's current physical condition. The Spaniard has already skipped several events throughout the year and only played at the Brisbane International, where he reached the quarterfinals, before withdrawing before the start of the Qatar Open and Indian Wells, further raising doubts about his physical condition.

The clay season has always been Nadal's main focus, and after the conclusion of the Miami Open, it remains to be seen what can be expected from the Spaniard in the events leading up to the French Open.

According to Roddick, it is important for Nadal to accumulate several matches in different events before Roland Garros: “Rafael Nadal would ideally want to play maybe three events going into the French Open. He’s the type of player that needs matches and needs that physical feedback,” the American told Betway.

“Monte Carlo has always been a successful event for him, and you’d have to think he would want to play Madrid in his home country again. Now they’re 10-day events, that probably ups the chances that you’ll see him in Madrid and Rome, but it’s going to depend on results,” the 2003 US Open champion said.

“If he has an early exit in Madrid, I don’t see him waiting out three weeks before Roland Garros. Monte Carlo is going to be a big tell as to where his body is at. If he participates in that, then we’re going to see a fuller schedule,” Roddick added.

This week, the 22-times Grand Slam champion appeared at the Rafael Nadal Foundation Awards ceremony in Palma. The 37-year-old tennis player commented at the event that he cannot know what will happen in the coming weeks with his body, but that he continues to do everything possible to return to the court in the best possible shape.

“I will do my best to try to start the clay season, which is my goal, I am working for that and striving for that goal, but I don’t dare to say anything about what might happen because lately it has been difficult for me to make predictions, unfortunately,” said the Mallorcan.

“I’ve not stopped training at any time. I’m trying all the time. I feel fine, I just haven’t managed to follow the schedule I would have liked to. Hopefully things can change, but as you can imagine, I can’t say because I don’t know myself,” the former world No. 1 concluded.