Stan
Wawrinka expressed his opinion that Rafael Nadal will be one of the favorites
in the 2024 French Open. The 3-times Grand Slam champion believes that the
Spanish player has a good chance of clinching the trophy at Roland Garros if he
arrives in good physical condition.
The Swiss
tennis legend participated in the first round of the 2024 Rio Open but was
defeated by the recent champion in Buenos Aires, Facundo Díaz Acosta. Wawrinka
responded to an interview with the Spanish newspaper Marca and discussed
Nadal's prospects in the upcoming major.
Nadal's favoritism at Roland Garros
The Spanish
player boasts 14 titles on the clay courts of Paris, and according to Wawrinka,
he has good chances of claiming the trophy if he remains injury-free. Wawrinka
stated, "If he is healthy, he will always be one of the favorites wherever
he goes. He's missing games. He has won so many times at Roland Garros that he
will always be the favorite. There is no one who knows the tournament
better," the Swiss said.
"Rafa
is a great champion and he has already been injured before and came back. It
doesn't matter what you have earned or how much money you have, if you feel
that passion you want to continue. In Brisbane, he was playing at a high level
before getting injured again. If he is healthy he will be a danger to everyone
and a candidate for big titles," Wawrinka said.
When does Nadal return to competition?
The
22-times Grand Slam champion made his comeback at the Brisbane International,
showcasing good form with victories over Dominic Thiem (7-5, 6-1) and Jason
Kubler (6-1, 6-2). However, he faced a quarterfinal defeat against the local
player Jordan Thompson, squandering a match point.
While there
were expectations for his return at the Qatar Open this week, Nadal has
ultimately decided to postpone his comeback until Indian Wells, where he will
use a Protected Ranking to participate in his second tournament of the year.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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