The video worrying Rafael Nadal fans, 16 days before Roland-Garros

A YouTube video published on Thursday has caused much concern for Rafael Nadal fans, especially regarding the Spaniard’s participation in Roland-Garros.

It appears to show Nadal ending a practice session after visibly struggling with physical issues.

The video shows the Spaniard leaning against the fence at the side of the court and bending down in pain, before he eventually walks slowly off the court with four members of his team, including coach Carlos Moya.

These images will be of great concern to Nadal’s legion of fans, as it comes just over two weeks before the start of Roland-Garros – a tournament the Spaniard has won 14 times over the past 18 years.

Nadal in lengthy absence

The video was released by an amateur videographer called Marcos Samonta 4264, on May 10th, at Rafa Nadal’s Academy. It’s unclear if he is the author of the video or when it was shot, but it is believed to have been taken this week. Tennis Majors tried to reach the video creator but has not yet received a response.

Rafael Nadal’s team are also yet to comment following the widespread viewing of this video.

Nadal was last seen in competitive action at the Australian Open in January, where he limped off court with a hip injury following a second round defeat to Mackenzie McDonald.

The original recovery time-frame for that injury was 6 – 8 weeks. But nearly four months later, the 22-time Grand Slam champion has yet to return to the match court.

Nadal’s return to the tour during the clay-court season has been much anticipated, and has provided one of the most-followed off-court stories throughout this year’s European red clay swing.

Roland-Garros participation in the balance

The Spaniard’s long- awaited return has been repeatedly delayed throughout the clay stretch, as revealed via a series of social media announcements, meaning Nadal’s window to be fit and ready for the French Open was becoming increasingly narrow.

After withdrawing from the Italian Open, Nadal was facing the prospect of competing at Roland-Garros without any clay-court match time at all, and without having played since January.

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But it is now evident that the Spaniard’s chances of appearing in Paris at all this year are now in serious jeopardy.

It wasn’t only the revelation that injury still plagues the 14-time French Open champion that will be of concern. Nadal cut a forlorn and dejected figure throughout the video, with his body language heavily implying that he is not where he needs to be physically.

More news about the Spaniard’s participation at Roland-Garros will no doubt come in time. But for now, Nadal’s fans face an anxious wait as the signs of Rafa’s physical condition appear worryingly ominous.