Rafael Nadal doubtful for the French Open after Monte Carlo withdrawal

Rafael Nadal might not be able to defend his French Open title after pulling out of next week’s Monte Carlo Masters due to a hip injury

(Tennis news) Rafael Nadal is the most successful French Open winner, having won the Grand Slam a record 14 times but may not be available to defend his title this year due to a hip injury. The Spaniard, who is currently ranked 14th has already pulled out of the Monte Carlo Masters due to a hip problem while his countryman Carlos Alcaraz will also not feature due to injury. Alcaraz recently conceded his first rank to Novak Djokovic and is currently recuperating from a hand and back injury.

Speaking about his injury, Alcaraz said on Twitter “After two months abroad I am happy to return home, but sad because I finished my last match in Miami with physical discomfort. I will not be able to go to Monte Carlo to start the clay-court tour. I have post-traumatic arthritis in my left hand and muscular discomfort in the spine that needs rest to prepare for everything that is to come.”

Rafael Nadal is also expected to be out for six to eight weeks after an MRI scan showed a tear in his left psoas muscle after losing in Melbourne. The 36 year old has not played on tour since his straight-set second-round defeat by American Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open in January. Missing out on the Monte Carlo Masters will leave Nadal short of match practice before the Roland Garros which is set to begin on May 28th. Canada’s world number seven Felix Auger-Aliassime will also miss the Monte Carlo Masters due to a knee issue but is expected to be fit for the Madrid Open.

Hola a todos, aún no me encuentro preparado para competir al más alto nivel. No podré jugar en uno de los torneos más importantes de mi carrera, Monte Carlo. No estoy aún en condiciones de jugar con las máximas garantías y continúo mi proceso preparación, esperando volver pronto
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) April 4, 2023