Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal opens his campaign at the Rome tournament, a high-stakes Masters 1000 event on clay that signals a major step in the season. The court at Foro Italico becomes the stage where the Spaniard looks to sharpen his senses and lift his game ahead of Roland Garros, a Grand Slam goal that has defined his career.
“My body is like an old car; it needs time to get back to work”, the Manacor native said during a press conference before his Foro Italico debut. The upcoming match promises a stern test against American big server John Isner, a player known for power from the baseline and serves that can swing momentum in a hurry.
Defending the 2021 title, Nadal will begin his run in Rome against the tenth American to reach the Eternal City, a challenging draw he hopes to navigate with poise and resilience. After a period of recovery, he arrived in Rome with intent and focus, following an injury setback at Indian Wells that briefly silenced his camp and prompted a careful restoration of match fitness.
The 21-time major winner had been away from the court for more than a month and re-emerged at the Mutua Madrid Open last week, advancing to the quarterfinals before falling to compatriot Carlos Alcaraz. That Madrid performance offered a glimpse of Nadal’s renewed hunger and his continued appetite for big moments on clay, especially after a successful home tournament in Madrid that served as a warm-up for Rome.
Madrid clay presented its own set of challenges, with altitude contributing to the pace and bounce of the ball. Nadal endured a tough three-set defeat against a local rival, followed by a hard-fought three-set victory against Belgian talent David Goffin in the previous round. The experience, though taxing, provided a clear signal of Nadal’s readiness to rejoin the battle on the red surface that has defined so much of his legacy.
Ambitions for a deep run in Rome remain high as Nadal eyes the possibility of a meeting with Novak Djokovic, a player who finished as a finalist in last year’s event and continues to build momentum in Paris as he seeks to defend his crown. The prospect of a high-stakes clash between these two seasoned veterans would captivate fans and analysts alike, underscoring the enduring drama at the Foro Italico.
If Nadal clears his opening hurdle against Isner, the path would likely place him in the Round of 16 against Canadian Denis Shapovalov, a formidable opponent known for his aggressive one-handed backhand and shot-making ability. In the quarterfinals, Nadal could confront a stern lineup including Casper Ruud from Norway or David Goffin, both capable of testing his movement and tactical depth on clay. Other potential contenders in the mix include German Alexander Zverev and Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, both with the skill and experience to challenge the best players on any given day, and each eager to prove themselves again on European clay after strong Madrid performances.
Throughout the tournament, Nadal will look to blend endurance with precision, using the stage in Rome to fine-tune his timing and movement ahead of the season’s next major clay stretch. The narrative of the event will likely emphasize his ability to rebound from setbacks, maintain competitive intensity, and orchestrate wins against some of the sport’s most relentless competitors. The atmosphere around Foro Italico is expected to be electric, with fans craving the classic Nadal magic that has repeatedly reminded the world of his extraordinary tenacity and approach to the game.