Nadal pulls out of French Open, says 2024 to be last year of career

Nadal, who has won the title at Roland-Garros a record-breaking 14 times, is set to miss the tournament in Paris for the first time since making his debut at the clay Major in 2005.

FILE PHOTO: Fourteen-time champion Rafael Nadal has pulled out of this year’s French Open.

Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from this year’s French Open, the 22-time Major winner announced in a press conference at his academy in Mallorca, Spain on Thursday.

“My injury did not progress as it should have. It will be impossible for me to play at the Roland-Garros,” he said.

“I will not be in Roland-Garros and I do not intend to continue playing in the following months. It has been difficult for me to have continuity in every way, because of my physique. I need to put a full stop to what my sports career is. I am going to regenerate my body and when I feel ready, I will start again.”

“It could be an objective to try to play Davis Cup and prepare for 2024, which will be the last year of my sports career.

“My idea is to enjoy and travel to all the tournaments where I was happy if I have the chance.

Nadal, who has won the title at Roland-Garros a record-breaking 14 times, is set to miss the tournament in Paris for the first time since making his debut at the clay Major in 2005.

“I went through some very difficult years and I think it’s time to take better care of my body, I have suffered a lot with injuries... What will happen next year I don’t know.

“Roland Garros will always be Roland Garros with or without me ... there will be a new champion and I’m sure the tournament will be a big success.”

The Spaniard, who turns 37 next month, hasn’t played a match this year since sustaining a hip injury during his second-round loss to USA’s Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open.

French Open organisers said on Twitter: “We can’t imagine how hard this decision was. We’ll definitely miss you at this year’s Roland-Garros. Take care of yourself to come back stronger on court. Hoping to see you next year in Paris.”

When asked whether he could participate at the 2024 Paris Olympics where the tennis event takes place at Roland-Garros, he said, “ I don’t want to say one thing and do the other. Can’t predict my body. Keeping my options open. Paris OIympic Games is one of the competitions I want to be at. I don’t know if that will be my last tournament.”

Nadal has previously won gold medals in men’s singles at Beijing Olympics (2008) and men’s doubles at Rio de Janeiro Olympics (2016).

He also spoke about his future in a sport that he and Big Three rivals Roger Federer, who retired last year, and Novak Djokovic have ruled for decades.

“You can´t keep demanding more and more from your body, because there comes a moment when your body raises a white flag,” said Nadal, who sat alone on a stage, wearing jeans and a white polo shirt, as his session with the media was carried live in Spain by the state broadcaster’s 24-hour sports network. “Even though your head wants to keep going, your body says this is as far it goes.”

One thing he made clear: He does not want to bow out like this, holding a microphone in his left hand instead of a racket. Nadal has been the ultimate competitor, playing every point as if it might be his last, as if the outcome might depend on each and every swing.

That hard-charging style has been at the heart of his brilliance on the court — and also perhaps contributed to a series of injuries over the years.

“I don’t deserve,” Nadal said, “to end my career like this, in a press conference.”

Alcaraz, Medvedev wish Nadal speedy recovery

Nadal’s compatriot and reigning US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz wished him a speedy recovery. Alcaraz tweeted,”Good luck Rafael! Very painful and sad for everyone that you can’t be at Roland Garros or play more this year, but I hope that 2024 will be a great season for you and that you can say goodbye like the great champion you are!”

World No.3 Daniel Medvedev, after reaching the Italian Open semifinals in Rome, said, “Hopefully, he can come back as fast as possible because he is an amazing player, amazing athlete, one of the best in history.”

(with inputs from AP)