French Open legend Nadal admits desire to say goodbye on court firing final tour

Former world number one Rafael Nadal conceded on Wednesday his farewell tour was not proceeding to plan but his wish to compete one last time at cherished tournaments such as the French Open where he has claimed 14 titles was pushing him through the pain barrier.

The Spaniard will continue his comeback from injury at the Madrid Masters on Thursday where he is scheduled to play the American 16-year-old Darwin Blanch who has been given an invitation to play in the main draw at one of the most prestigious clay court competitions of the season.

Nadal, 37, who has lifted the title in Madrid five times, said: "A few weeks ago, I didn't know if I would be able to play again on the professional tour.

"It's not perfect, of course not perfect," he added. "But at least I am playing and I can enjoy again, especially in the few tournaments that are so emotional for me.

"I'm able to enjoy the fact that I can say probably good-bye on court."

Last May, Nadal said that 2024 would be his final year on the ATP circuit where he has won 92 tournaments including 22 trophies at the Grand Slam venues in Melbourne, Paris, London and New York.

He won his first Grand Slam tournament trophy in Paris in 2005 and picked up his 14th French Open in 2022.

"If I arrive in Paris the way I feel today, I will not play. I will play Roland Garros if I feel competitive," said Nadal.

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