Rafael Nadal out of French Open, will retire in 2024
Rafael Nadal on Thursday withdrew from the French Open because his hip injury has not healed, saying he expects 2024 to be his final year in professional tennis. “It’s not a decision I’m taking, it’s a decision my body is taking,” said the 36-year-old Spanish superstar, who has played at the clay court major every year since […]
Rafael Nadal on Thursday withdrew from the French Open because his hip injury has not healed, saying he expects 2024 to be his final year in professional tennis.
“It’s not a decision I’m taking, it’s a decision my body is taking,” said the 36-year-old Spanish superstar, who has played at the clay court major every year since 2005.
ALSO READ: What inspires Andy Murray to keep going on the ATP Tour?
Nadal, 36, hasn’t played since losing in the second round of the Australian Open in January 2023.
ALSO READ: Leading Grand Slam men’s singles champions
He played two matches at the United Cup to start the 2023 season and then lost in the second round of the Australian Open to Mackenzie McDonald.
RAFAEL NADAL WILL DROP OUT THE WORLD TOP 100
ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic cleared to play in US Open
Nadal has been battling injury issues since withdrawing from the Wimbledon semi-finals last year.
WATCH | Roger Federer visits Lesotho
As defending champion in Paris, Nadal had 2 000 ranking points to defend.
He will now drop out of the top 100 in the world rankings.
ALSO READ: Holger Rune backed to match Djokovic, Federer and Nadal