Rafa trainiert mit Coach Carlos Moya seit ein paar Wochen hinter verschlossenen Türen. Deshalb sind bisher kaum Bilder an die Öffentlichkeit gedrungen. Über sein Comeback hat er sich bisher nicht persönlich geäussert. Die Aussagen von Guy Forget, Turnierdirektor des Paris-Masters klingen leider nicht gerade vielversprechend:
"It's not because you are practicing that you are able to compete at that level. You can hit the ball right but moving from one side to the other on the court is different."
"And if you are not at 100%, you cannot play. Especially for Rafa who is one of the best defenders. In the past Rafa has always tried his best in Paris, last year he was a little bit injured and he still came. Like with Roger, we really hope he can make it but if it's his physical condition is bad, we would wish him the best for the next season."
"I have not spoken to him directly, sometimes I spoke with Benito (Barbadillo) and (Carlos) Costa. He is trying his best, they are so professional, they are doing the best they can and Rafa would like to keep the No. 1 crown at the end of the year but in order to do it, you have to win matches."