Nadal’s uncle gives clear answer on whether Spaniard will play next French Open

Rafael Nadal set for 2024 farewell after pulling out of French Open

Rafael Nadal’s uncle, Toni, has confidently claimed that the Spaniard will return to the French Open in 2024. A devastating hip injury ruled him out of this year’s tournament at Roland Garros, which he has won on a staggering 14 prior occasions.

Having been out of action since the hip issue forced him to withdraw from the Australian Open earlier this year, Nadal recently called a press conference to let fans know that he has not recovered in time to compete at the forthcoming clay-court major.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner also suggested that next season will be his last as he continues to grapple with injury issues. “It’s disappointing that he can’t be here because this is the only tournament he never missed since the start of his career,” Toni Nadal told Tennis Majors.

“Look, it was bad luck that he wasn’t able to recover in time, but OK – it’s a shame, but life goes on.”

Don’t miss…
Roger Federer offers emotional four-word response when asked about tennis return[SPOTTED]

Nadal’s uncle, who coaches the number-ten-ranked men’s player in the world Felix Auger-Aliassime, was more positive about his nephew’s chances of returning to the French Open in 12 months’ time.

When asked whether he could see it happening, the 62-year-old responded: “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.”

Having put together an incredible streak over the course of his career, Nadal has only ever lost three matches at Roland Garros since winning the title on his tournament debut in 2005. As time and injuries have taken their toll, the 36-year-old has had to build up a mental resilience perhaps beyond that of anyone else on tour.

“I think all the great players are very strong mentally,” added his uncle Toni. “If they weren’t, they wouldn’t be able to achieve what they did. Rafael is strong, [Novak] Djokovic is strong, [Roger] Federer is strong.

“With Rafa, he was taught from a very early age to play every point as if it was a final. That helped him become mentally really strong.”

Nadal’s withdrawal from the French Open has left the door ajar for Djokovic to seal his 23rd Grand Slam title, which would catapult him to the top of the all-time charts ahead of his ‘Big Three’ rivals. The Serb faces Aleksandar Kovacevic in the first round on Monday.

Source: Read Full Article