Prior to the 2023 French Open, Rafael Nadal raised speculation that he may be retiring after calling a press conference on Thursday.
The 14-time Roland Garros champion hasn’t competed since January 2023, when he sustained a hip injury at the Australian Open. According to a number of media reports, the 36-year-old would drop out of the French major.
Nadal has already opted out of the Rome, Monte Carlo, and Madrid Opens. He is getting better. On Sunday, May 28, the main draw of the French Open will get underway in Paris. Next week, the warm-up competitions will take place in Lyon or Geneva.
According to a statement from his staff, Rafa will have his press conference at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Manacor at 4 PM local time.
The statement stated, “Whether he participates in [the French Open] or not, and the reasons either way, will only be communicated tomorrow.”
Casper Ruud was defeated by Rafael Nadal at the French Open in 2017. Of his 22 Grand Slam victories, he has won 14 titles in Paris. Novak Djokovic, his adversary, has 22 as well. This year, he triumphed in the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
The clear favourite in the event that Nadal withdraws from the French Open is Djoko.
“From Nadal’s team, “Rafa Nadal will attend a news conference tomorrow at 4pm at the Rafa Nadal Academy by MoviStar to discuss his participation in Roland Garros. His participation and the reasons for it will only be announced tomorrow, according to a tweet from the Spaniard’s team.
