NADAL NOT RULING OUT PARIS ENCORE

Despite losing tamely to Hurkacz, he leans towards trying for I5th French Open title

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Despite an early exit at the Italian Open, Rafael Nadal is leaning towards playing at the upcoming French Open, which he has won a record 14 titles.

The 37-year-old Spaniard, who was knocked out in the second round in Rome after losing 6-1, 6-3 to Poland's Hubert Hurkacz on May 11, had earlier said that he will head to Roland Garros only if he feels competitive.

And the manner of his elimination in his first-ever encounter with 27-year-old Hurkacz was a step backwards after reaching the last 16 in Madrid, leaving a question mark over his plans in what is set to be his last season.

"The decision, as you can imagine, is not clear in my mind today.

But if I have to say what's my feeling and if my mind is closer one way or the other way, I'm going to say be in Roland Garros and try my best," said Nadal, who has slipped to world No. 305 after injuries over the last two years.