"When you put Rafa Nadal and Roland Garros in the same sentence": Rafael Nadal still favourite for French Open in comeback says Tim Henman
ATP
Former Britain’s number one Tim Henman believes that Spain’s
legendary tennis star Rafael Nadal will be the favourite for the French Open
2024.
The 37-year-old is currently spending time on the sidelines
as he continues to recover from a knee injury sustained earlier this year. It
was because of this reason he ended up missing three out of four Grand Slams.
Henman was recently quoted in a report where he stated that despite
the long absence from professional tennis, Nadal will once again start the
French Open as a favourite, largely because of his past performances in the
competition where he lifted the title for a record 14 times.
“I think it is unlikely [he will win the Australian Open],” he
said. “I think also add to the fact that Rafa’s great on hard courts. He’s just
at a ridiculously different level on clay courts. So I think the hard courts is
probably a little bit of a stepping stone.
“He’s got to get out there, he’s got to get in the
tournament environments, he’s got to be competing in longer matches, dealing
with adversity and all the different elements that he hasn’t done for a long,
long time. And that’s not easy to come back into tournament play like that.
“However, if he can stay injury free and play tournaments at
the beginning of the year, to a certain extent, I feel like his comeback really
starts once he gets on the clay courts and we will have had an opportunity to
see where he’s at, how is his fitness, how is his movement, how is his body,
how does he recover after matches?
“I think then when we get to [see him] play, then we can say
if there is a chance of Rafa adding to his Grand Slam tally. It’d be amazing if
he won any tournament on the tour because it’s not easy to do.
“But again, Rafa’s not there to come back and make quarters
and semis in a couple of events. He wants to win the biggest titles. And so, I
think the early part of next year will tell us a lot as to whether Rafa is
going to be a contender.”
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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
