By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Thursday, Might 11, 2023
Roland Garros runner-up Coco Gauff is expert within the sliding arts and believes you are tripping in case you underestimate Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros.
Requested to evaluate the Roland Garros males’s subject in her Rome presser at this time, Gauff summed up her view merely.
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The world No. 4 says King of Clay Rafael Nadal is the French Open favourite any day—no matter his latest lack of match play.
“I imply, if [Rafa] goes, I will take him in Paris any day,” Gauff mentioned. “I do not suppose he wants match expertise. I am positive he most likely would have most well-liked to play some matches earlier than. I believe that him and Roland Garros is one thing particular.
“There’s been occasions, I keep in mind final 12 months, he was having that downside, utterly misplaced that match, did not seem like he was going to be prepared in any respect. I made the error of doubting him. Subsequent factor you understand, he just about stormed his approach to the ultimate and gained straight units.”
Fourteen-time Roland Garros champion Nadal withdrew from this week’s Rome. Nadal, who has shared coaching video on social media as he continues restoration from a hip harm, has not performed a match since falling to Mackenzie McDonald on the Australian Open in January.
Damage-induced inactivity doesn’t deter Gauff from choosing the “GOAT on clay” as French Open favourite.
“He is only a GOAT in that manner, a GOAT on clay, somebody you possibly can’t underestimate,” Gauff mentioned.
“I believe for the event, if he would not play, clearly it could suck to have a participant like him not play. But in addition I really feel just like the tour… I believe it is going to open it up for the fellows, the boys’s aspect.
“Then once more, we have not seen him play in so lengthy. So perhaps the draw is open. I do not know. However I positively suppose he will be a risk regardless if he performs [before Paris] or not.”
Picture credit score: Jamie McCarthy/Getty
