Exclusive: Rafael Nadal can be ready in time for Roland Garros but fresh injury problems a concern - Alex Corretja

Alex Corretja believes Rafael Nadal still has time to regain fitness for Roland Garros but has concerns about how the champion’s body would cope with the rigours of a Grand Slam. Nadal hasn’t featured since the Australian Open at the start of the year due to injury and his comeback was further delayed when he announced on Friday that he was withdrawing from the Rome Masters. Ad The 36-year-old is the defending champion in Paris but he has missed the entire clay court season, including events in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid, as he recovers from a hip problem.

ATP Madrid'Air of anticipation' — Spain counts down to Alcaraz and Swiatek Madrid Open finals2 HOURS AGO Speaking exclusively to Eurosport, two-time French Open finalist Corretja admitted he was taken aback by the news. “We need to wait, there’s still a little bit of time. I was thinking maybe he could play the week before and get some matches.

But I didn’t expect that one from Rome,” said the Spaniard. “I was surprised already when he pulled out from Madrid, but this one, everybody was saying he was pretty much OK to play, he’s practicing, and unfortunately, he said no so that means he still needs more time.” Exclusive: Borg backs Alcaraz to be No. 1 for 'many years', hopes for Nadal French Open comeback Nadal's French Open hopes suffer fresh blow following Rome Masters withdrawal 'It means a lot to me' — Alcaraz battles past Coric to reach Madrid Open final Corretja continued: “I think he’s capable to get the rhythm in a few matches.