Nadal commits to playing French Open if safety can be guaranteed: "If everyone can play, if we are all together, yes I will be there"
Roland Garros
Rafael Nadal has confirmed that he will play the French Open and as a result defend his title once again but only on one condition.
Nadal who has won the French Open at Roland Garros a record 12 times will have to wait until potentially September due to current restrictions and speaking to French radio this past weekend, he will only be involved if it is safe to do so.
“I do not see the future from a professional point of view, but from a medical and health point of view,” the World Number Two said.
“As for Roland Garros, if it is possible to play in optimal conditions and in total safety, if everyone can play, if we are all together, yes, I will be there. But today we have to take precautions and be responsible with the right decisions to guarantee the safety and health of everyone in tennis.”
On the potential for tennis to be played behind closed doors when it does return, he said it isn't something he is fully comfortable with: “It is possible. Football is being played behind closed doors. But if you ask me if I like it, the answer is no. Nothing can replace the presence of the public and the energy it generates.”
On his current fitness routine while being off the tour, Nadal said: “I feel good. Like the rest, I have not been able to leave the house in two months. Luckily, I had weight training machines at home to train and keep myself physically fit."
“Little by little I have resumed training several days a week, but not all seven. It has been a gradual and very slow recovery that we have done with care and caution. The objective is to be ready for the day when we return to play tennis, but we still don’t know that. “
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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