Rafael Nadal’s ambitions of competing in this year’s French Open have been dashed by injury, as have his prospects of winning a record-breaking 15th men’s singles title at Roland Garros.
Due to a hip flexor injury, the 36-year-old hasn’t played since losing to Mackenzie McDonald in the second round of the Australian Open in January.
Since then, Nadal has fallen to position 14 in the ATP rankings, and on Thursday, he said during a news conference at his academy that he is not well enough to compete at Roland Garros, where he set a record-breaking 14th title last year.
Nadal stated that the progress of the injury he suffered in Australia “has not gone as I would have liked.” Along the line, I gave up aspirations, and Roland Garros seems unreachable.
“I won’t be able to attend Roland Garros at this time. You can understand how challenging that is given how important that tournament is to me. For the upcoming months, I don’t plan to play anymore.”
Nadal explained his strategy and acknowledged that it would take up to three months for his body to recuperate, which would prevent him from competing at Wimbledon this year.
The Spaniard also declared his intention to step down at the conclusion of 2024.
In the upcoming year, which will likely be my final on the professional circuit, Nadal stated, “My goal and ambition is to try and stop and give myself an opportunity to enjoy the year.”
“That is my plan, but I can’t guarantee it will turn out this way. Nonetheless, my goal is to try to appreciate and bid adieu to all the tournaments that have had a significant impact on my life.
“To appreciate competition and do something that is now impossible. I think I won’t be able to do it if I keep going at this point.”
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