"Rafael Nadal is not at 100% but we try to tell him he's better than he thinks" - Coach Marc Lopez on Nadal's readiness for the French Open

Marc Lopez, who is part of Rafael Nadal's coaching team, recently let fans in on the Spaniard's outlook on his game ahead of the 2024 French Open.

Lopez is a retired doubles specialist with the 2016 French Open title (partnering Feliciano Lopez) and a career-high ranking of No. 3 to his name. The former pro joined Nadal's team in December 2021 and would hang up his racket a few months later in 2022.

Speaking to Punto de Break, Marc Lopez revealed that since the 22-time Major winner is currently not at his best level yet, his team has to incorporate positive affirmations during their practice sessions to keep him motivated. He also spoke briefly about how Rafael Nadal keeps up a competitive attitude in not only tennis but other sports as well.

"It's very competitive. Whatever he does, he wants to win and be 100%. Be it golf, tennis or ludo," Marc Lopez told Punto de Break. "What about Paris? I think that right now he is not at 100%, which is normal, but from the outside we try to tell him that he is better than he thinks."

Lopez added that the 37-year-old's level is improving each day and that he will hopefully be in top gear by the time Roland Garros rolls around.

"I think he is competitive, improving day by day and taking baby steps forward, to reach Roland Garros in the best way, which is the great goal," he added.

---

Rafael Nadal's coach Marc Lopez: "The results are secondary"

Rafael Nadal hits a forehand at Barcelona Open 2024

Rafael Nadal has not had a good comeback season by any means. While the Spaniard started well by winning his first two matches at the Brisbane International in straight sets, he picked up a muscle tear in his left hip during his quarterfinal loss at the ATP 250 tournament.

It hasn't been smooth sailing for the former World No. 1 since then as his subpar physical conditioning forced him out of the next four tournaments - the Australian Open, the Qatar Open, the Indian Wells Masters and the Monte-Carlo Masters. Although he picked up his first win in more than three months at the Barcelona Open last week, he was beaten handily in his next match by Alex de Minaur.

While it would be natural for Rafael Nadal's camp to be alarmed by his results, Marc Lopez believes that everyone around the Spaniard just wants to watch him enjoy his tennis.

"The results are secondary. The important thing is that you feel like a tennis player on the court again," Marc Lopez told Punto de Break. "The people who love him want him to enjoy himself, not to go to the tournaments just to say goodbye, but to offer a competitive version."

Towards the end of the interview, the 41-year-old wished that the 22-time Major winner would get to bid adieu in the manner that he desired.

"He is training and he is eager," he added. "I hope he can say goodbye as he deserves. He always surprises us and I hope he surprises us once again."