'Don’t think I will be able to play at 100%,' Rafael Nadal confirms his appearance at Madrid for ‘one last time’ in his career

However, accompanying the good news is a bad one. Nadal will be participating in the Madrid Open for the last time. He recently confirmed that it will be his last time playing in the courts of Madrid. 

I don’t think I will be able to play at 100%, but it means a lot to me to play in Madrid for one last time in my career. It’s a special place and court for me. Said Rafael Nadal

Despite not being at his best, the Spaniard is pushing it a step further to play in one of his favorite tournaments. He recently made his way back onto the circuit after suffering a minor injury before the Australian Open. He made a comeback at the Barcelona Open in pursuit of another title. 

However, the 37-year-old lost in the second match against Alex De Minaur. This put a full stop to Nadal’s run at the Barcelona Open, as he walked out for the last time in his career. The Madrid Open is next, and the fans look to give the Spaniard a grand exit.

Rafael Nadal nears his endgame as he gears up for one last shot in the Madrid Open

The Mutua Madrid Open is an important Masters event held in Madrid. Without any doubt, their best champion has been Rafael Nadal, who has won five titles out of eight finals. This places him as the athlete with the most number of titles and finals in this tournament.

It will be Nadal’s last resort in this tournament as he looks to end his time in Madrid. For one last time, the Spaniard will begin his Masters run against young Darwin Blanch. An exciting matchup of generations as the two look to start the tournament with a bang. 

With unique playing styles, the American has a golden opportunity to sneak a win against Nadal on clay. Given that the Spaniard’s serve is weaker than usual, it gives an edge to the youngster to cause a major upset at the very start.