Rafael Nadal has been told that he must play the Australian Open if he wants a shot at winning a 15th French Open crown in a fairytale return. The Spaniard hasn’t played a match since January, when he picked up a psoas injury. And Boris Becker has warned the 22-time Major champion that it will be a “long road back” that must start in Melbourne.
The German added: “His big goal when he comes back is not Melbourne, but Roland Garros.” The Parisian clay courts will definitely be on Nadal’s mind – especially as the French Open will also be the home of next year’s Olympic tennis event.
But he will face a challenge in getting back to his best as Becker believes Nadal will go back to being “hunted” by his rivals. “It will be a long, rocky road back. The young wild ones don’t sleep. They don’t say, ‘Nadal, it’s nice that you came. We’ll let you win now,’” he continued.
For now, Becker is taking it as a positive sign that Nadal has returned to the practice courts. And the 55-year-old still backs the 93-time title winner to be a contender on the biggest stages once again. “Nadal should go back on the court and play well,” he said. “As far as I’m concerned, he can win big tournaments again.”
