Tennis star Rafael Nadal is set to miss the French Open for the first time since his debut in 2005 due to a nagging hip injury. He made the announcement at a press conference held at the Rafa Nadal Academy on Thursday.
"We were not able to find a solution to the problem I had in Australia."
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 18, 2023
Rafael Nadal will miss the French Open. 🎾 pic.twitter.com/Afp1L3zJ75
The Spaniard great is the most prolific performer in the tournament's history, winning 14 times on the clay court.
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Rafael Nadal Hints at Retirement
The 22-time Grand Slam winner suffered a hip injury last January during the 2023 Australian Open in his second-round match-up against Mackenzie McDonald. He was severely limited throughout the match, losing in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.
He was expected to have a recovery time of six to eight weeks, but Nadal and his team "were not able to find a solution" to his problem in Australia.
"I didn't make the decision, my body made the decision. To play Roland Garros is impossible," the 36-year-old said.
Nadal revealed that he plans to take a hiatus to focus on his body's recovery before giving it all for one last ride in 2024.
"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."
The 'King of Clay' bared that he thinks that he deserves to end his career on his own terms, saying that he worked hard enough throughout his illustrious career for its end not to be held in a press conference.
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