Rafael Nadal's uncle Toni hopeful the 22-time Grand Slam winner can make French Open return - 'For now we have to wait'

Toni Nadal gave an update on nephew Rafael’s fitness and is hopeful that the ‘king of clay’ will be fit for the French Open. The 36-year-old has been beset by injuries in recent months.

His troubles accelerated after an abdominal tear forced him to withdraw from Wimbledon last year ahead of a semi-final with Nick Kyrgios. Ad Nadal’s woes continued this year.

He was forced to withdraw from his second round match at the Australian Open against Mackenzie McDonald due to injury after a poor United Cup campaign which saw the Spaniard lose both of his games to Cameron Norrie and Alex de Minaur respectively. ATP BarcelonaAlcaraz doesn't 'feel like more of a favourite' in Barcelona despite Nadal absenceYESTERDAY AT 09:56 He most recently pulled out of the Barcelona Open as he continues his recovery from the injury picked up in Melbourne, which would have served as valuable preparation for Roland Garros.

“Barcelona is a special tournament for me because it’s my adopted club and because playing at home is always a unique feeling,” Nadal posted on Instagram. “I'm still not prepared and therefore I'm still in my preparation process for the return to competition.

“Good luck to my friend [and tournament director] David Ferrer and his whole team for this edition of the Godo that will surely be a success as always on all levels.” Raducanu out in first round of Stuttgart Open after heavy loss to Ostapenko Alcaraz downs Borges at Barcelona Open, Thiem through in Munich Djokovic issues fitness update, admits elbow 'not in ideal shape’ The 22-time Grand Slam champion had already withdrawn from Indian Wells, the Miami Open and the Monte Carlo Masters, in a worrying start to the year. However, Toni remains confident that Rafa can come back