A light one-hour workout on the slopes of the Jean Bouin club was followed by a meal and a Parcheesi session with the whole crew, including Carlos Moya, Francis Roig, and Marc Lopez, along with coaches and friends. Rafa Nadal repeated his familiar routine yesterday, though a fatigue-line showed on his face after a hard-won victory. Novak Djokovic was opening the doors to his 15th Roland Garros semifinal, setting the stage for a clash that would pit a 36th birthday against a stadium buzzing with energy.
The latest Roland Garros edition hints at a possible final act for Nadal, a rumor he touched upon while urging Paris organizers to keep night sessions on Tuesday. His remarks sparked a momentary alarm, likely rooted in timing and decision windows. Nadal is negotiating these final chapters with time pressing from every angle. He knows his career has a finite horizon, yet as long as his body allows, he continues to relish these battles against Djokovic in Paris, including their marquee clashes at Philippe Chatrier. The scoreline spoke volumes: Nadal prevailed 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 and 7-6 (4), marking his 110th Roland Garros win and his eighth in Paris, while Djokovic remains the only one to push Nadal to the edge in this city twice, in 2015 and 2021.
Neither the slippery court conditions, the lingering foot issue, nor the prognostications about Djokovic’s favored status dampened Nadal’s resolve. On the contrary, he spoke with quiet conviction: he would keep playing tennis on nights like this. Nadal noted that he dominated more minutes than expected, a sign that he was finding rhythm in a moment that demanded resilience.
Djokovic’s congratulations
Djokovic acknowledged Nadal’s mastery amid a chorus of public support and occasional jeers from the crowd. He praised Nadal as a great champion and lauded the resilience of Nadal and his team, noting that they had found the energy at critical moments. Djokovic also observed that Nadal’s foot showed no clear signs of injury; he had witnessed Nadal push himself to peak performance again, even after setbacks. The exchange underscored the mutual respect that fuels their ongoing rivalry in this tournament’s atmosphere.
Returning to Philippe Chatrier, the thrill of competing at this level provided adrenaline that surpassed many treatments, keeping Nadal on court when pain might have told a different story. He arrived in Rome carrying pain and doubt, unsure if Roland Garros would see him compete. After a loss to Shapovalov, Nadal framed his goal as simple: to be happy on the court, even if pain tried to steal that happiness, affecting not just tennis but life itself.
Nadal’s medical team, led by the Paris-based doctor Ángel Ruiz Cotorro, has worked tirelessly to help him push through despite the increasing challenge of his condition. The discomfort is described as concentrated below the ankle, and the team plans to reassess after the tournament, while continuing to search for a solution that allows him to keep competing. Nadal himself insists that the future remains unknown, focusing instead on the present and the energy from the hard-fought victory.
Nadal recognizes the looming question of expiration, yet he remains a relentless competitor who hates losing. Even a Parcheesi session with the team stands as a testament to his stubborn endurance. The chronic injury dating back to 2004 and associated with Müller-Weiss syndrome has shadowed many seasons, yet Nadal has persisted for 18 years. He acknowledges the possibility of stepping away, but hints that a quick return to Wimbledon or a future decision about Paris is not off the table if his footing returns.
Not to Wimbledon
Nadal’s post-Roland Garros contemplation could affect Wimbledon plans and the broader rhythm of his schedule. Still, those around him suggest that deciding to leave is not something he is ready to reveal on a specific day. His focus remains on the next challenge, with a possible semifinal against German star Alexander Zverev standing in his path. For now, that matchup remains the central narrative. (attribution: Reuters)