Rafael Nadal withdrew from the French Open 2023, the year’s second Grand Slam, on Thursday (May 18), citing an abdominal ailment suffered at this year’s Australian Open. The 14-time French Open champion confirmed his decision during a news conference on Thursday evening, following months of uncertainty about his participation.
After missing the Dubai Tennis Championships and Qatar Open earlier this year, Nadal was anticipated to miss his favorite of the four Grand Slams. In addition, the Spaniard did not compete in the Indian Wells or Miami Masters events. In the run-up to the French Open, the 22-time Grand Slam winner skipped the Monte Carlo Masters, the Barcelona Open, Madrid, and the Italian Open.
‘Next year will be my final year’
At the presser, Nadal said, “The evolution of the injury I sustained in Australia has not gone as I would have liked. I have lost goals along the way, and Roland Garros becomes impossible. At this moment, I won’t be able to be at Roland Garros. With what that tournament is for me, you can imagine how difficult it is. I have no intention of continuing to play for the next few months.”
Further, he added, “It’s probably going to be my last year on the professional tour, I can’t say this 100 percent because you never know what’s going to happen.”
At 36, Nadal is undoubtedly nearing the end of his illustrious career. With a string of ailments impeding his growth, the superstar’s absence would undoubtedly be felt by his loyal admirers. They will, however, breathe a sigh of relief that he has not announced his retirement, which may come sooner rather than later if he continues to deal with physical problems.
Nadal has won 22 Grand Slam trophies, sharing the most with archrival Novak Djokovic, and has dominated the French Open with 14 titles on clay.
The French Open 2023 begins on May 22. In the absence of Nadal, Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz will be considered favorites.