Tennis star Rafael Nadal reached his lowest ranking in the ATP list in 21 years.
The 37-year-old fell out of the Top 200 for the first time since February 2003, ranking No. 239 in the latest edition of the list of the world's top men's tennis players.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner has not played an ATP match since an upset to Mackenzie McDonald in the second round of this year's Australian Open last January, losing in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.
An injured hip severely hampered the defending champion in the match, which caused him to drop the title he won in 2022.
Nadal also exited the world top 10 for the first time since 2005 last March, and the extended period of inactivity caused him to drop out of the top 100 by May.
After announcing before the tournament that he would miss the Roland Garros to focus on his recovery, the 14-time winner of the said Grand Slam hinted that the 2024 season would be his last in the sport.
"My ambition is to try to stop to give myself an opportunity to enjoy next year, that's probably going to be my last year on the professional tour," Nadal said.
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Rafael Nadal's uncle gives potential return date
Toni Nadal, the uncle and former coach of the player, suggested that the Spanish legend could be back on the court by the 2024 Australian Open if things go well.
He added that his nephew is recovering well from his nagging hip injury.
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