An Emotional Rafael Nadal Says He Is Missing French Open 2023 Due To Injury; Expects 2024 To Be His Retirement Year

Rafael Nadal has ruled himself out of French Open 2023 due to injury. Addressing a press conference ahead of the new Roland Garros season, the 14-time champion said that his injury has not healed yet. "The injury has not healed. It is impossible to play the French Open. I won't be able to play these next few months. It is not a decision I made, it's a decision my body made. At a personal level, day to day work, things are difficult." Nadal also said that 2024 is going to be the final season of his illustrious career.

Speaking at a news conference at his tennis academy in Manacor, Spain, the 22-time Grand Slam champion said, "You never know how things will turn out, but my intention is that next year will be my last year." Nadal, who celebrated his birthday on June 3, won't be seen at his favourite Grand Slam event on that day. 

Nadal does not know when he will be back next?

The 36-year-old Nadal said that he has no idea yet when he can play again on a tennis court. He said that the after the pandemic, his body has not been able to hold well. "I was not able to enjoy practices, matches because too many start-stops. Too many days of pain. I needed to stop. I don't know when I'll be back, how many months. I can't predict the future. I am following my personal feelings, following what is the right thing to do for my body, for my happiness."

Spaniard wants to play Olympics 2023

The 36-year-old said that he wants to keep his options open for Paris Olympics 2023. Speaking about his Olympic ambitions, Nadal said, "2024, next year, will be the last of my professional career. I can't say with 100% about that but I want to enjoy the tournaments that have been important for my career." He called it a sad day before ending the press conference and admitted that he needs to accept the limitations of his body. "I'm looking at the future. And, I have a lot of other great things in life," said Nadal.