Rafael Nadal sparked retirement rumors ahead of the 2023 French Open after the Spanish legend called for a press conference on Thursday.
The 14-time Roland Garros champion has been out of action since suffering a hip injury at the Australian Open in January 2023. Several media reports suggest that the 36-year-old will pull out of the French major.
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Nadal has already skipped tournaments in Madrid, Monte Carlo and Rome. He is recovering. The French Open main draw will begin in Paris on Sunday, May 28. The warm-up events will be held in Lyon or Geneva next week.
Rafa’s press conference will be held at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Manacor at 4 PM local time, according to a press release from his team.
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“If he plays [the French Open] or not and the reasons either way will only be communicated tomorrow,” the statement read.
Rafael Nadal defeated Casper Ruud in the French Open last year. He has 14 titles in Paris – a part of his 22 Grand Slam wins. His rival Novak Djokovic also has 22. He won the Australian Open and Wilbledon this year.
If Nadal withdraws from the French Open, Djoko is the obvious favorite.
“From Nadal’s team, “Rafa Nadal will hold a press conference tomorrow at 4pm at the Rafa Nadal Academy by MoviStar to inform about his participation in Roland Garros. If he plays or not and the reasons either way will be only be communicated tomorrow,” a tweet read from the Spaniard’s team read.
