by India Today Sports Desk: World No. 5 women’s singles star Coco Gauff learned an important lesson last year – never doubt Rafael Nadal. The American star admitted he had not pinned his hopes on Rafael Nadal ahead of Roland Garros 2022 but had to walk back his words as the Spaniard chased a record-extending 14th title on clay courts in Paris.
However, Coco Gauff is unwilling to make the same mistake this year as Rafael Nadal has not played in the lead-up to the French Open starting on May 28. Nadal last played at the Australian Open where he suffered a shocking second round exit. Exit after a thigh injury.
Nadal missed the Sunshine Tournament on US hard courts and did not play clay-court events in the lead-up to the French Open. Ahead of the Paris Masters, Nadal confirmed there had been a delayed recovery, but he left the tennis world in shock when he pulled out of the Rome Masters, the final Masters 1000 tune-up event for the French Open.
Nadal said earlier in the week He was still not at his 100 per cent to return to competitive action, keeping quiet about his participation in the French Open.
The clay-court Grand Slam begins on May 28 and title contenders including Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic take part in the Rome Masters, currently underway in the Italian capital.
“I don’t think he needs match experience,” the 19-year-old told reporters in Rome.
“I’m sure he probably would have liked to have played the first few matches. He and Roland Garros are something special.
“I made a mistake doubting him (last year),” said the American. “Next thing you know, he stormed into the finals and won in straight sets.”
Rafael Nadal has not lost a single French Open tournament since winning the first of his 14 titles in 2005. He has competed in every French Open since then.