AP Picture/Francisco Ubilla
Legendary tennis star Rafael Nadal won’t compete within the 2023 French Open on account of a hip harm that has stored him out because the Australian Open in January.
In response to CNN’s Matias Grez, the 36-year-old Nadal introduced his withdrawal from the event Thursday and added that 2024 shall be his remaining yr as an expert tennis participant.
Nadal additionally stated he shall be out for the subsequent “few months,” which means he won’t solely miss the French Open, which begins Might 28, however will probably additionally miss Wimbledon in July.
Rafa is undoubtedly probably the most dominant participant within the historical past of the French Open, having received the event a report 14 occasions. Total, he boasts a 112-3 profession report at Roland Garros in Paris.
Nadal first certified for the French Open in 2005, and till now, he had by no means earlier than missed the occasion.
The Spaniard has received each Grand Slam event no less than twice and is tied with Novak Djokovic for probably the most profession males’s Grand Slam singles titles with 22.
With Nadal probably set to overlook no less than the subsequent two Grand Slams, Djokovic has a golden alternative to take sole possession of the report.
Djoker tied Nadal earlier this yr when he received the Australian Open. Rafa skilled an early exit from that occasion, as he was knocked out within the second spherical by American Mackenize McDonald due largely to being compromised by the hip ailment.
Whereas Nadal’s Spanish countryman Carlos Alcaraz will probably be a significant component at Roland Garros, Nadal’s absence makes Djokovic the favourite to win the event.
Accidents have taken a toll on Nadal lately, as he missed the U.S. Open in 2020 and each Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 2021.
It’s unclear if Nadal will be capable of make it again in time for the U.S. Open in late August and early September, however he did state a transparent purpose Thursday.
Per Grez, Nadal needs to be again in time to symbolize Spain within the Davis Cup finals, which begin in September.
The hope now’s that Nadal shall be wholesome sufficient to have a correct swan tune on the French Open and each different Grand Slam subsequent yr even when he misses the remainder of this yr’s main tournaments.
With Nadal set to retire, Roger Federer having already retired and Andy Murray seemingly nearing the tip of his profession, Djokovic might quickly be the lone remaining member of the “Large 4” that dominated males’s tennis for practically 20 years.
