“Rafa has always been an example of a fighter”: Stan Wawrinka remains optimistic about Rafael Nadal playing in French Open 2024

Thursday, 16 May 2024 at 11:10

Switzerland’s veteran tennis star Stan Wawrinka has stated optimism that the former world number one Rafael Nadal will play in the French Open. The 37-year-old is often regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of men’s tennis in the Open era, having won as many as 22 Grand Slam titles.

Nadal has struggled with fitness concerns in recent years, and in 2023, he missed three out of the former Grand Slams because of this.

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Last year, Nadal announced that the 2024 season would be his last at the highest level. This year, the former world number one has not been able to match the expectations as he looked slow and, most of the time, not 100 per cent to compete in different events.

Wawrinka was recently quoted in a report in which he expressed optimism that the 14-time French Open winner will participate in the second Grand Slam of the year. He also stated that he is keen to see how Nadal’s body will respond to playing in the mega-event.

“I think he will play for sure, unless he gets injured,” he said. “I think he will play, I’m sure that’s the reason why also he played the last few weeks, he wants to play, he wants to play the biggest tournaments. So unless he has a big problem physically and he cannot practice anymore, I think he will play.”

Rafael Nadal is the most successful player in the history of French Open, having won as many as 14 Grand Slam titles.

“Rafa has always been an example of a fighter. He had so many injuries during his career but his rhythm for 20 years to be out, to come back,” the three-time Major champion added.

“And also I’m looking forward to what he’s going to do and how his body will react because [I think, and [from] what I can hear, it’s also his body will decide when he will stop. I think if he can get no injuries the next few months, his level will be back at the highest level. So I’m looking forward what’s going to happen.”

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19 - Rafael Nadal will make his 19th appearance at the Internazionali d'Italia, becoming the player with the most appearances in this tournament in the Open Era. Emperor. #IBI24 | @atptour @InteBNLdItalia

11:17 AM · May 9, 2024

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Azeem Siddiqui

Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.

He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.

In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.

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