Rafael Nadal takes one step closer to retirement following withdrawal from the Madrid Open

Rafael Nadal cites fitness issues to withdraw from the Madrid Open 2023 in a long statement to his fans and well-wishers.

Rafael Nadal takes one step closer to retirement following withdrawal from the Madrid Open

Rafael Nadal (Image Credit: People)

Rafael Nadal may have dropped a bombshell for his fans. Many of his fans were left heart broken after he decided to withdraw from the Barcelona Open, but the Spanish tennis fans had hoped that they would be able to watch their favorite star in Madrid.

However, now the 22-time Grand Slam champion has decided to withdraw from the Madrid Open 2023 as well. Clearly, the physical situation with Rafael Nadal is not looking good. In a long message addressed to his fans, he told the unfortunate news.

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An English translated version of Rafael Nadal's statement (Image Credit: Instagram)
An English translated version of Rafael Nadal’s statement (Image Credit: Instagram)

“A very strong hug to all and as soon as I have news, I will inform you. Thank you!,” thus Rafael Nadal concluded his statement.

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However, it is early days but now the eyes will be on the next ATP Masters 1000 tournament, i.e the Italian Open 2023. If the 22-time Grand Slam champion will be able to reach fitness levels to play in this tournament is also a great question.

Continue Reading: Rafael Nadal losing time for comeback as retirement closing in with fresh injury setback

Will Rafael Nadal play in the French Open 2023?

Rafael Nadal (Image Credit: For the Win-USA Today)
Rafael Nadal (Image Credit: For the Win-USA Today)

Rafael Nadal may be the ‘King of Clay‘ but right now time is slipping out of his hand like sand. There is less than a month to go before the start of the French Open. However, the Spaniard’s dream to win his career’s 15th Roland Garros singles title may be on the verge of being crushed.

His fitness woes which have kept him out of action for a considerable period of time this season, may again play spoilsport. At the Australian Open, his hip injury resurfaced during the second round match against Mackenzie McDonald. He lost that match and was knocked out of the tournament, failing his dream to win the Australian Open title for the second time in a row.

Can it happen at the Roland Garros? His favorite tournament. Nobody knows. However, if he can pick himself to play in the French Open, he will definitely be a favorite to win the title. The Italian Open can be the tournament he may need to step up his fitness and form. Many of his fans hope that he will be able to play in that tournament before the start of the French Open.

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