Updated On: 12 May, 2024 07:28 AM IST | Rome | AFP
And the manner of his elimination in his first ever encounter with Hurkacz was a step backwards after reaching the last 16 in Madrid, leaving a question mark hanging over his plans

Rafael Nadal leaves the court after losing to Hubert Hurkacz in Rome on Saturday. Pic/AP, PTI; (right) Novak Djokovic
Rafael Nadal said on Saturday that he is leaning towards playing at the upcoming French Open despite being eliminated in the second round in Rome, 6-1, 6-3 by Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz.
Clay-court icon Nadal had previously said that he would only play at the French Open, where he has won a record 14 titles, if he feels competitive after a raft of injury problems over the last two years which have left him languishing 305th in the world rankings.