(Tennis news) Rafael Nadal has said he is in a “difficult situation” as his participation at the French Open is doubtful. The Spaniard was forced to withdraw from the Madrid Open due to an ongoing hip injury which has caused him to miss the Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo and the Barcelona Open. The 36 year old hasn’t competed since his second round elimination to Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open in January.

Nadal has won the French Open 14 times in his career, which is a record that is unlikely to be beaten anytime soon. The tournament will take place from May 28th to June 11th and his prospects to compete are currently unclear. The Spaniard said “Initially it had to be a six-to eight-week recovery period and we are now on 14. The reality is that the situation is not what we would have expected. All medical indications have been followed, but somehow the evolution has not been what they initially told us and we find ourselves in a difficult situation. 

“The weeks are passing and I had the illusion of being able to play in tournaments that are the most important in my career such as Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Roland Garros, and for the moment I have missed Monte Carlo and Barcelona. I will not be able to be in Madrid, unfortunately. The injury still hasn’t healed and I can’t work out what I need to do to compete. 

“I was training but now a few days ago we decided to change course a bit, do another treatment and see if things improve to try to get to what comes next. I can’t give deadlines because if I knew I would tell you, but I don’t know. This is how things are now. I have no choice but to try to have the right attitude throughout this time, try to give myself the opportunity to compete in one of the tournaments that remains of the clay season and I have no choice but to work and be with the right mentality.”

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