Rafa Nadal has cast major doubts over his participation at the French Open after announcing his withdrawal from the Monte Carlo Masters. The 37-year-old tennis star hasn’t played an ATP event since Brisbane in early January, but was expected to return in Monte Carlo for the start of the clay-court swing.
Nadal is almost certain to announce his retirement at some stage this year, with many of the belief he might play the French Open before calling it quits. But there are serious doubts about whether he will even play his favourite grand slam, which he has won a record 14 times.
The Spanish champion skipped the Indian Wells tournament last month, saying he was not “ready to play at the highest level”. But he was expected to ramp up his comeback on his favourite surface of clay, which would have seen him play in Monte Carlo.
But on Thursday, April 4, evening he announced he won’t be playing the tournament he often features at and wins. “These are very difficult moments for me, sporting wise,” he said. “Unfortunately I have to tell you that I am not going to be playing in Monte Carlo. My body simply won’t allow me.