Rafael Nadal has ‘no choice’ but to play Indian Wells and ‘can win’ French Open if fit – Toni Nadal

Rafael Nadal has “no choice” but to compete at Indian Wells as he bids to return to the pinnacle of tennis, according to his uncle Toni.

The Spaniard is preparing for his latest comeback to the sport after an injury picked up at the Brisbane International – his first tournament in almost a year – forced him to withdraw from the Australian Open.

His setback wasn’t related to the hip issue that meant he had to undergo surgery last year and it was hoped he would be fit in time to feature in last week’s Qatar Open.

Having ruled himself out of the tournament in Doha, the 22-time Grand Slam champion is now scheduled to face Carlos Alcaraz in an exhibition match in Las Vegas before playing in the Masters 1000 event at Indian Wells from March 6-17.

Nadal, 37, who has dealt with numerous injuries and extended spells on the sidelines throughout his career, has said this year could be his last.

While his uncle refused to be drawn on his long-term future, insisting the team is “going to wait” and assess how the rest of this year goes, he remains optimistic that his nephew can add a record-extending 15th French Open title to his roll of honour and fight for gold in the Paris Olympics.

Asked what he thought of his nephew’s comeback in Brisbane, he added: “Very positive, because after so long without competing, I think he played at a good level. I see him training at the academy and I think that’s how it is.

“I prefer to say that he is going to win [the French Open]. Then we’ll see.

“I know it’s difficult, but I always try to be positive and I hope that my nephew can play a great role both in the Games and at Roland Garros.”

Uncle Toni was also questioned about the current state of Spanish tennis and, in particular, the form of Alcaraz.

Since winning Wimbledon in thrilling fashion against Novak Djokovic last year, the 20-year-old has failed to lift another title and lost in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open to Alexander Zverev.

His barren run has also coincided with the rise of Italy’s Jannik Sinner, who has beaten Djokovic three times in their last four meetings and clinched his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open.

But while Nadal’s uncle conceded that Sinner is now ready to be a “tough rival” to Alcaraz, he believes his compatriot remains the player to beat.

“In Sinner, from now on, Alcaraz will have a tough rival,” Nadal continued. “He already was before, but after winning, he has extra confidence. And I think we will see great confrontations between the two.

“Alcaraz is very young. I think he is the best. And well, he gave up a match there with Zverev that he could lose. You have to continue trusting him. I believe that he will continue to bring a lot of joy to Spanish tennis.”