Rafael Nadal expected to make return on clay at Monte Carlo Masters

Rafael Nadal's comeback to the ATP Tour is scheduled for next month, as confirmed by tournament organisers on Tuesday. The clay courts of Monte Carlo will be the stage for his return, coinciding with the start of the clay-court season.

This tournament, known as the Monte Carlo Masters, commences on April 7th. It is worth noting that this could potentially be Nadal's final appearance at the French Open, a prestigious Grand Slam event that he has triumphed in a remarkable 14 times.

During a press conference in Paris, tournament director David Massey expressed his awe and uncertainty regarding Rafael Nadal's upcoming actions.

Massey revealed that he witnessed Nadal training intensely with his coaches on a private court, and the experience left him with the impression of listening to a ferocious beast.

He emphasized that Nadal's hits were more powerful than ever before. Massey also mentioned that Nadal had experienced some discomfort, which led to his decision not to participate in the Indian Wells tournament.

However, the subsequent medical tests did not reveal any significant issues. Despite his recent setbacks, Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, currently holds the 652nd position in the ATP rankings.

To secure a place in the main draw of the Monte Carlo Masters, the first clay-court Masters 1000 event of the 2024 season, Nadal utilized a protected ranking of ninth.

Although Nadal has triumphed in the tournament 11 times throughout his career, his performance has wavered in recent years. After his last victory in 2018, he reached the semi-finals in 2019, the quarter-finals in 2021, and was absent from the 2020, 2022, and 2023 editions.

In preparation for the tournament, Massey revealed that they had sent Nadal two boxes of balls to Mallorca, allowing him to practice with the same balls that would be used in the competition.

Nadal's previous season was plagued by abdominal and other injuries, resulting in his limited participation in the 2024 season.

He only competed in the Brisbane International, where he experienced a flare-up of a hip injury. Nadal's highly anticipated return at the Indian Wells Masters was abruptly canceled, raising eyebrows within the tennis community.

This decision came shortly after his loss to fellow Spaniard and world number two, Carlos Alcaraz, in a Las Vegas exhibition match. The Monte Carlo Masters, commencing on April 7th, signifies the beginning of the clay-court season.

It may also mark Nadal's final appearance at the French Open, a Grand Slam event he has astonishingly won a record 14 times.