According to Andy Roddick, the Monte-Carlo Masters will be essential in determining Rafael Nadal’s present physical state. The Spaniard has previously withdrawn before the start of the Qatar Open and Indian Wells, casting more question on his physical state. He has only participated in one tournament this year, the Brisbane International, where he reached the quarterfinals.

Nadal has traditionally focused on the clay season, so it’s unclear what to anticipate from the Spaniard in the competitions going up to the French Open following the completion of the Miami Open.

In Roddick’s opinion, Nadal has to win a number of matches in various competitions before to Roland Garros: “Rafael Nadal would ideally want to play maybe three events going into the French Open.” The American told Betway, “He’s the kind of player who needs matches and that physical feedback.”

“He has always had success in Monte Carlo, so it makes sense that he would want to play Madrid in his native nation once more. The fact that they are now 10-day events increases the likelihood that you’ll see him in Madrid and Rome, but ultimately it will depend on the outcome, stated the US Open champion in 2003.

“I don’t see him waiting out three weeks before Roland Garros if he leaves early in Madrid. Monte Carlo will be a major indicator of his physical condition. We’ll see a fuller schedule if he takes part in that, Roddick continued.

Nadal evades predictions

The 22-time Grand Slam winner made an appearance at the Rafael Nadal Foundation Awards ceremony this week in Palma. The 37-year-old tennis player said during the event that he is unsure of what will happen to his body in the upcoming weeks but that he is still doing everything in his power to get back on the court in the best possible condition.

“It has been difficult for me to make predictions lately, so I don’t dare to say anything about what might happen, but I will do my best to try to start the clay season, which is my goal. I am working for that and striving for that goal,” the Mallorcan stated.

“At no point have I stopped training. I’m always attempting. I just haven’t been able to stick to the routine I would have liked to. I feel fine. The former world No. 1 said, “Hopefully things can change, but as you can imagine, I can’t say because I don’t know myself.”