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Nadal, 36, has not played since suffering a hip
injury at the Australian Open in January and there are doubts
about the Spaniard's participation in Paris after the 22-time
major champion pulled out of the Italian Open.
Gauff said Nadal would be her first pick to win in Paris if he
is fit enough to play, despite his lack of time on court.
"I don't think he needs match experience," the 19-year-old told
reporters in Rome. "I'm sure he probably would have preferred to
play some matches before. Him and Roland Garros is something
special.
"I made the mistake of doubting him (last year)," the American
added. "Next thing you know, he pretty much stormed his way to
the final and won in straight sets."
Gauff, who finished runner-up to Iga Swiatek at the French Open
last year, continues her build-up to the May 28-June 11
tournament when she faces Marie Bouzkova in Rome on Saturday.
(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter
Rutherford)
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