Look for Rafael Nadal to make his 2022 clay debut in Madrid—if he's healthy.
Toni Nadal, Rafa Nadal's uncle and original coach, told Spanish TV network TVE the Australian Open champion told him he plans to play Madrid.
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The Mutua Madrid Open is set for May 1-8th.
"[Rafael] told me that yes, he was coming to Madrid," Toni Nadal told TVE in comments published by AS.com.
The 35-year-old Nadal just returned to light training yesterday, posting a photo of his practice on social media.
"After four weeks without stepping on a tennis court, first light training," Nadal posted on Twitter.
The 13-time Roland Garros champion was forced to withdraw from this week's Barcelona Open due to a fractured rib he sustained in the third set of his three-hour Indian Wells victory over Spanish phenom Carlos Alcaraz last month.
Toni Nadal said if all goes well look for Rafael Nadal to appear in Madrid's Magic Box though he cautioned the next two week's are crucial.
"He has 15 days left to see if everything evolves correctly and if he can arrive in conditions," Toni Nadal said. "If not, it would not serve him much for Roland Garros, which is his great challenge."
Photo credit: Rafa Nadal Academy