Rafael Nadal has 'no choice' but to play Indian Wells says Toni Nadal: "He hasn't done it for too long"

Rafael Nadal has no choice but to play Indian Wells says Uncle Toni Nadal as the Spaniard will likely prioritise the clay court season with Madrid, Rome, Monte-Carlo and Barcelona likely in the pipeline for the tennis legend.

Nadal hasn't played since Brisbane International at the turn of the year where he lost to Jordan Thompson after good early displays, but in a cruel twist of fate, he got injured and was forced to miss the Australian Open. Set to return at the Qatar Open, another injury setback saw him stall that. But Uncle Toni Nadal remains positive.

“I prefer to say that he is going to win [at Roland Garros]. Then we’ll see. I know it’s difficult, but I always try to be positive and I hope that my nephew can play a great role both in the [Olympic] Games and at Roland Garros,” the 63-year-old said to AS.

“Obviously [the setback in Brisbane was difficult], because his first games indicated that he was, more or less, playing well, and then he had this little discomfort. It was a shame, really. But things have to be accepted as they come.

“[His first matches were] very positive, because after so long without competing, I think he played at a good level. I see him training at the academy and I think that’s how it is.”

He also echoed the recent words of David Ferrer that he could yet plan on as well as admitting that there is a need to play Indian Wells for matches over wanting to.

“This will depend on how the year goes, how you feel physically, how you look. We’re going to wait,” Nadal continued.

“It’s that he needs to compete. He has no choice. He hasn’t done it for too long. And of course, if you don’t compete, you can’t be prepared.”