Nadal will only play French Open if he can 'compete well'

Rafael Nadal said on Wednesday he will only play at the upcoming French Open if he feels capable enough to compete well The 14time Roland Garros champion conceded that if the action in Paris were to kick off today he would not be able to participate but vowed to keep fighting for the chance to play at his most successful tournament one last time I dont know whats going to happen in the next three weeks I will keep fighting and doing the things I believe I have to do so I can try to play in Paris and if I can play I play if I cant I cant the former world number one told reporters at the Madrid Open on Wednesday I will not play in Paris if I am the way I am now If Paris were today I wouldnt take to the court Thats the reality I will only play in Paris if I feel capable enough to compete well Nadal returned to tennis in Brisbane in January after spending almost an entire year on the sidelines nursing a psoas injury But his comeback was shortlived as he sustained a muscle problem in Australia and has competed in just five matches so far this seasonAlso Read Nadalrsquos comeback ends in second round defeatThe Spaniard kicked off his clay campaign in Barcelona last week where he lost in the second round and is set to face 16yearold American Darwin Blanch in his Madrid opener on Thursday I dont think Im ready to play at my 100 percent but Im prepared to go out and play tomorrow Its important for me to play one last time here in Madrid for me it means a lot said the 37yearold Nadal As he attempts to resume his Last Dance in Madrid and say goodbye to one of his favourite tournaments on court rather than on the sidelines the 22time major champion admits his farewell tour hasnt been as enjoyable as he would have hoped A few weeks ago I didnt know if I will be able to play again on the professional tour so today I am playing he added Its not perfect of course not perfect but at least I am playing and I can enjoy again especially in the few tournaments that are so emotional for me Im able to enjoy the fact that I can say probably goodbye on court Nadal says hes hitting the ball well when he is able to be on court but its about more body limitations I went through a lot of things last year and a half two years So body feelings are not enough good to feel myself playing with freedom enough in terms of body issues Thats not allowing me to compete the way that I would like to competeWith agency inputs