The draw of the Masters 1000 ATP in Rome, held this Monday, had a notable absence of its ten-time champion, the Spaniard Rafael Nadal. He was crippled in the 2021 edition, due to unbearable pain in his left foot, which was not prevented a few weeks later from lifting the Musketeers Cup for the fourteenth time at Roland Garros.
The difficulties have increased even this year. For the first time since he began reigning in Paris, in 2005, the man from Manacor did not play any official matches on the European clay court tour.
A hip injury has kept him out of action since he bowed out in the second round of the Australian Open. He announced his successive casualties in Doha and Dubai, India Wells and Miami, Godó, Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome.
In the usual chain, the next stop is Roland Garros, starting on Sunday, May 28. Rafael Nadal He referred in a recent statement to an improvement after the change in treatment, to the fact that he continues to work to feel competitive.
At the age of 36, close to 37, he may face a huge challenge in the French capital, in his fetish event.
His rival par excellence Roger Federer, Now just a friend after his retirement (initially due to a knee injury), he was asked about the impact of Rafa Nadal’s absence from Roland Garros during his presence at the Formula One Grand Prix in Miami, United States.
The Swiss is very clear about this, he considers it a “brutal” blow. It will be difficult for tennis if Raph I’m not in Paris,” he told Sky Sports.
Although he hopes to see him at Roland Garros: “I still hope that it will be like that. I know that he withdraws from Rome, I wish him the best.”
Regarding the candidates, “obviously Djokovic. He hasn’t played much, so he’ll come in strong. And also the young people who are coming.”
Source: La Verdad
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