Rafael Nadal 'has been a warrior' and now 'has a different perspective' - Chris Evert exclusive

07.03.2023 - 14:47 eurosport.com

Eurosport expert Chris Evert has hailed fellow tennis icon Rafael Nadal as «a warrior» while discussing his challenge to get back up to speed for the French Open.

The 36-year-old has withdrawn from Indian Wells and the Miami Open due to injury in a bid to ensure that his preparation for defending his crown at Roland-Garros will be smooth.

Ad Nadal struggled with a hip injury at the Australian Open, where he lost in straight sets to Mackenzie McDonald in the second round, so is attempting to manage his fitness very carefully in advance of the second Grand Slam of the season in Paris.

ATP Indian WellsIndian Wells: Schedule, draw, seeds, prize money plus Djokovic and Nadal updates43 MINUTES AGO As Evert recognised, «the thing for Rafa looking ahead is really preserving his body» as he continues to vie with Djokovic in the all-time Grand Slam singles titles tallies with the pair currently level on 22 majors. «I think motivation is big: to have that motivation year in and year out, to be the best you can be, win as many tournaments as you can, to have that motivation and not any dips in that, in your desire to compete,» Evert told Eurosport's Arnold Montgault. «18 years in the top 10!

tennis Sporting Rafael Nadal Chris Evert France Australia India Paris county Mcdonald county Wells

Carlos Alcaraz's impact on men's tennis may be such that he decides the «future history» of the sport, says seven-time major champion Mats Wilander. The Spaniard is still only 19, yet has already won a major — the US Open last year — become the world No. 1 and beaten legends of the game Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

When does the clay-court tennis season begin? Which events are Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Emma Raducanu playing?

The clay-court season is nearly upon us, with the elite of men's and women's tennis preparing to head to Europe for just over two months on the dirt. It could become one of the most significant periods in tennis history, with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic — tied on 22 Grand Slams — both set to make a return to action, having both missed the 'Sunshine Swing' in America.

'Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic of women's tennis' - Chris Evert on star trio

Eurosport expert Chris Evert has expressed her excitement about the «very interesting» rivalry that is emerging between Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, who she believes could end up being the «Federer, Nadal and Djokovic of women's tennis». Evert spoke about the concern that many felt with the retirement of Serena Williams, but has made it clear that the rising trio of women's tennis could develop a rivalry that is comparable to that of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the men's game.

Carlos Alcaraz's outrageous talent has tennis legend Chris Evert 'in awe, flabbergasted' ahead of French Open

Eurosport expert Chris Evert has been left «in awe» and «flabbergasted» by the excellence shown by Carlos Alcaraz in his return from injury ahead of the French Open. The Spaniard stormed past the previously in-form Daniil Medvedev in electrifying fashion to clinch a straight-sets win, 6-3 6-2, and seal the Indian Wells title in California, while he usurped Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic at the summit of the men's game in the process. Ad Alcaraz, who did not lose a set in six Indian Wells matches, has made a dominant return to the ATP Tour after he was forced to miss the opening Grand Slam of the season at Melbourne Park due to injury.

Carlos Alcaraz 'motivated' by Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal's ability to win titles straight after injuries

Carlos Alcaraz says he has been inspired by how Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal quickly get back to winning titles after suffering injuries. Alcaraz is through to the semi-finals of Indian Wells after a straight sets win over Felix Auger-Aliassime and will play Jannik Sinner next as the Spaniard bids to win the third Masters title of his career. Ad Last month, Alcaraz won his first title since last November in Buenos Aires after more than three months out with abdominal and hamstring injuries.