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Felix Auger-Aliassime's coach Frederic Fontang believes Rafael Nadal will once again be among the top favorites for the French Open title. After struggling with multiple injuries in 2022, Nadal's 2023 season got off on the wrong way as the Spaniard contracted a hip injury at the Australian Open and lost in the second round.
But even though Nadal battled rib, foot and abdominal injuries last year, he was still able to win two Grand Slams, including a record 14th French Open title. "I think that Rafa, even though many say he might retire, won two Slams last year and finished the season as world No 2.
I think Rafa remains the favorite for Roland Garros despite everything," Fontang told Ubitennis.
Toni Nadal also believes Nadal can win the French Open
After exiting the Australian Open in a devastating way, Nadal revealed the extent of his hip injury and said he would likely be out for six to eight weeks.
Last week, Nadal provided an injury update, which confirmed the initial diagnosis. Nadal could return to action in March and Uncle Toni believes his nephew will be among the top contenders for the French Open title in late May and early June.
“When one has been there for so many years, as is the case with him, and after having had so many problems in the last year, where he ended up too injured, I don’t consider the future beyond the next tournament.
You never really know how things are going to go. It is true that Rafael has a very punished body, but it is also true that he has been on the professional circuit since he was 16 years old and that is something you pay for.
There are many years hitting the ball and moving at high intensity. When you have that, it is easy for the body to fail here today and there tomorrow. I trust that he can lift the Roland-Garros trophy this year, and then we’ll see," Toni Nadal told Vanity Fair Espana.