Patrick McEnroe thinks Rafael Nadal will skip French Open if he misses Rome

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• Rafael Nadal

Patrick McEnroe thinks the Rome Masters could be the key for Rafael Nadal as the American doubts the Spaniard will play the French Open if he misses Rome. Nadal is still recovering from an injury suffered to his psoas muscle and he has already missed three clay tournaments.

The Rome Masters is starting on May 10th and Nadal is targeting to make his comeback there. “Both Novak and Rafa out. Didn’t play Madrid. Remember now Madrid has heavy altitude. It’s more unlike the French Open conditions than any of the other big clay court tournaments.

Rome is the most like it when it’s hot. When it’s cold in Paris it’s more similar to the Monte-Carlo conditions which is cooler and comes earlier in the year. So for those top guys obviously they’ve got injury issues as well.

Rafa has more injury issues than Novak since he hasn’t played. Novak has had a little bit of an elbow problem but he’s been able to play so they’re fine with skipping Madrid. Rome is going to be key to see where they’re both at.

If Rafa doesn’t show up for Rome does he even attempt to play the French? I’d say probably not. He’s going to want to at least get some matches there," McEnroe said on the Holding Court with Patrick McEnroe podcast, per Sportskeeda.

Nadal is expected to play the Rome Masters, French Open

Last week, Toni Nadal gave a strong hint that his nephew is definitely playing in Rome and Paris. "He is going to play in Paris, although how he trains in the coming weeks and what he can do in Rome will be important to measure his aspirations there,” Uncle Toni said.

Nadal hasn't played any matches since the Australian Open. The lack of matches could be a problem for Nadal, as well as the fact that he won't be a highly-seeded player at the French Open. But Nadal usually plays his best tennis at Roland Garros and he will definitely have his chances if he competes at the French Open.