Toni Nadal says it was ‘bad luck’ that Rafael Nadal failed to recover in time for the 2023 French Open
Toni Nadal believes it is a shame to see Rafael Nadal miss the 2023 French Open.
Follow Us
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal made a huge announcement a couple of weeks ago when he announced his withdrawal from the 2023 French Open. The Spaniard has failed to recover from an injury, which has forced him out on the sidelines for the last couple of months. The 36-year-old missed the Roland Garros for the first time in 20 years.
Former coach and uncle of Rafael Nadal, Toni Nadal, gave his thoughts on his nephew’s absence from the 2023 French Open. The 22-time Grand Slam champion had already missed a couple of clay court tournaments this season, and a withdrawal from the Roland Garros was certainly on the cards.
Rafa also stated that the 2024 season could probably be his last year on the tour. Toni Nadal stated that it was bad luck that his nephew failed to recover in time for the French Open this year. “It’s disappointing that he can’t be here because this is the only tournament he never missed since the start of his career. Look, it was bad luck that he wasn’t able to recover in time, but OK – it’s a shame, but life goes on,” said Toni according to tennis majors.
Toni Nadal on whether Rafael Nadal will play at 2024 Paris Olympics
Toni Nadal also gave his thoughts on whether he believes Rafa will play at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Given the huge drop in rankings that he is expected to face, Rafa’s chances of qualification look bleak. Only four players from a nation ranked inside the top 56 ATP Rankings can compete at the Summer Olympics.
“Yes! I believe because I want to believe. I know that it’s getting harder to win with every year passing by, but I always believe that things will work out well!,” said Toni.
Rafael Nadal won the gold medal in the Singles event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The Spaniard missed the 2012 and 2020 Olympics, as the 2024 Paris Olympics remains his last chance to claim a second Singles gold medal. The veteran will need to have a great start to the season next year if he is to book a spot in the main draw of the Olympics, given that he could be ranked outside the top 600 ATP Rankings.
Nadal will drop out of the top 100 ATP Rankings after the conclusion of the 2023 French Open. His earliest return date could be the Davis Cup, which takes place at the end of the year. If Rafael Nadal does not take to the court again this season, he faces a serious drop in rankings.
In case you missed it:
- Casper Ruud thinks the medical timeout by Holger Rune has helped him during the Rome Semi-final
- “I’ll be back,” Iga Swiatek confident about returning to the French Open despite the injury setback
Stay Updated!
Nirmit Mehta
(2425 Articles Published)