The wait for Nadal continues. The Italian Open will be without him, what are the prospects for Roland Garros?

The tournament in Rome could be the place where the clay king returns to the tennis courts. Given the timing of the Italian event at the top of the hour. The French Open, the season’s clay-court highlight, is just around the corner. What does opting out of Rome mean for the upcoming Grand Slam and Nadal’s ambitions there?

Rafael Nadal was last in action at this year’s Australian Open. Since then, he has been nursing a hip muscle injury and the treatment has dragged on uncomfortably.

Gradually, Rafa has been forced to skip major tennis events in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid.

The last event before the clay season’s highlight in Paris is the Italian Open in Rome. After a conversation with the tennis player’s uncle Toni Nadal, there is hope that the ten-time winner of the event in Italy will appear here. Now it’s gone.

Not participating in the Italian Open

Rafael Nadal finally had to excuse himself from this tournament as well, which was not an easy decision. This clay court tournament means a lot to Nadal and his career.

Since 2005, only Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have enjoyed triumph in the Italian capital besides him.

Without diminishing the importance of the Italian Open, it should be added that a start there would also be excellent as a quality game preparation for Roland Garros. It follows directly after the Italian event. Alex Corretja, himself a two-time French Open finalist, has commented on this issue.

French Open 2023

The former Spanish tennis player was already surprised by Nadal’s withdrawal from the Madrid Open. But he is not worried about the 36-year-old compatriot’s lack of playing experience. At least not in the first place.

“How will his post-match recovery go? Not the one related to the current injury, but from others that may occur,” he told Eurosport his concerns.

Corretja adds that even a possible absence at Roland Garros would not be the end of the world. Rafael Nadal may be the king of clay, but the main thing is to stay healthy. Then he can play and win on all surfaces.

We can look forward to the French Open 2023 from May 22. We will start to present the favourites on these pages a week before that date. And let’s see, maybe Rafael Nadal will be among them.

Sources: ATP, Eurosport