Patrick McEnroe believes missing Rome will spell end to Roland Garros dream for Nadal: "He's going to want to get some matches there"

With all the injury concerns surrounding Rafael Nadal, there is doubt that the Spaniard will be able to compete at Roland Garros if he misses the Rome Masters next month, according to Patrick McEnroe.

Nadal has been coy regarding his recovery process, and there is no set date for his return to the courts. Former US Davis Cup captain McEnroe believes that if the 22-time Grand Slam champion misses Rome, then his participation at the French Open will be in serious doubt.

Read also

2023 Rome Open ATP Prize Money with €7,705,780 on offer

"So for those top guys obviously they’ve got injury issues as well," McEnroe said on his podcast. "Rafa has more injury issues than Novak since he hasn’t played. Novak has had a little bit of an elbow problem but he’s been able to play so they’re fine with skipping Madrid."

Read also

2023 Internazionali BNL d'Italia Rome ATP Entry List including Djokovic, Alcaraz, Tsitsipas, Ruud and Medvedev (Update - 05-05)

Furthermore, McEnroe believes Nadal would like to get a few matches under his belt before the second Grand Slam of the season, although Nadal's coach Carlos Moya has stated his ward would be ready without too much prep time on the courts.

"Rome is going to be key to see where they’re both at," added McEnroe. "If Rafa doesn’t show up for Rome does he even attempt to play the French? I’d say probably not. He’s going to want to at least get some matches there."