Rafael Nadal, the record-holding 14-time champion of the French Open, has expressed doubt about his participation in this year’s tournament. The Spanish legend is still experiencing the effects of injuries that have plagued him throughout his career. Nadal, currently ranked number one in the world, revealed that he will make a decision about playing in the Grand Slam based on his physical condition.
“If I arrive in Paris like I feel today, I would not go on court. I will not play,” the 37-year-old said on Wednesday. “I will play Roland Garros if I feel competitive. If I can play, I play. If I can’t play, I can’t.”
Nadal has not played in the French Open since lifting his 14th trophy there in 2022. On multiple occasions, he has admitted that this could be his final season. If he does retire at the end of 2024, it means that he won’t get the chance to say goodbye to the tournament.
Nadal’s participation in the French Open is crucial for the tournament’s prestige and for the fans who eagerly await his return to the clay courts. His absence would be a major blow to the event and to the sport of tennis as a whole. Nadal’s admission has raised concerns about his potential retirement, as he has previously hinted that this season could be his last.
The French Open is scheduled to begin on May 28, 2023. Nadal has been drawn to face Argentine Federico Delbonis in the first round. If he wins, he could potentially face world number two Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals. Nadal has a long history of success at Roland Garros, having won the tournament a record 14 times. He is considered one of the greatest clay-court players of all time.
However, Nadal’s recent injury problems have raised doubts about his ability to compete at the highest level. He has been battling a foot injury for several years, and he also withdrew from last year’s Wimbledon tournament due to an abdominal tear. If Nadal does decide to play in the French Open, he will need to be at his best to challenge for the title. He will face stiff competition from Djokovic, as well as rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The French Open is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, and it is considered the most prestigious clay-court event in the world. The tournament is held at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France. The French Open was first played in 1891, and it is one of the oldest tennis tournaments in the world.
