Rafael Nadal could be set to miss the 2023 French Open after the tennis legend posted a worrying new injury update on Thursday.
Nadal has not played since January 18 and will now miss the the Madrid Open, which starts on April 25, a key tournament in the build up to Roland Garros.
Metro.co.uk first reported that there were worries over Nadal’s French Open participation on April 4 after he was forced to miss the Monte-Carlo Masters.
The chances of Nadal appearing at his favourite Grand Slam is now even more unlikely with the 22-time major winner making a startling fitness admission.
‘Initially it had to be a six-to eight-week recovery period and we are now on 14,’ Nadal, 36, said in a video posted on social media.
‘The reality is that the situation is not what we would have expected. All medical indications have been followed, but somehow the evolution has not been what they initially told us and we find ourselves in a difficult situation.
‘The weeks are passing and I had the illusion of being able to play in tournaments that are the most important in my career such as Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Roland Garros, and for the moment I have missed Monte Carlo and Barcelona. I will not be able to be in Madrid, unfortunately.
There have been rumours circulating that Nadal may soon retire from tennis, after fellow great Roger Federer hung up his racket last year.
Nadal, who was left ‘destroyed mentally’ after the Australian Open, became a father in October and is expected to spend less time on the ATP Tour than ever.
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