While talking about his opponent’s injury woes, Novak Djokovic stated his hope that Rafael Nadal would be able to return to “his beloved clay court of Roland Garros.”
The Serbian called the Spaniard a “legend of our sport” and stated that having Rafael Nadal on the court is “essential” for tennis, especially in what may be his final season.
Earlier this week, Rafael Nadal declared his resignation from the 2024 Monte Carlo Masters, citing physical infirmity as the reason.
“Hello everyone, I’m having a very tough time right now in terms of my sport. Regretfully, I must inform you that I will not be participating in the Monte Carlo tournament. The former world number one wrote, “My body just won’t let me.”
“The truth is that I am unable to play today, despite my best efforts to play and compete in events that hold great significance for me, even though I am working really hard and putting forth my best effort each day.
You can’t imagine how difficult it is for me to be unable to participate in these activities. To give myself an opportunity for things to become better, the only thing I can do is accept the circumstance and make an effort to look to the near future with excitement and a desire to perform.
“Once again, I want to thank everyone for their support and well wishes!”
The 37-year-old hasn’t competed since making his eagerly anticipated return in Brisbane in January, when he was defeated by Jordan Thompson in the quarterfinals due to a hip ailment. Nadal had not competed before in Brisbane since suffering a hip psoas muscle injury during the Australian Open in 2023.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion withdrew from the 2024 Australian Open, Doha, and Indian Wells before withdrawing from Monte Carlo.
When asked what he thought of the Mallorcan’s injury woes, Djokovic praised Nadal and supported him for trying to go on in an interview with L’Equipe.
“That is the most important question! To that, only he can respond. Rafa’s presence on the court is crucial for our sport, especially since he has hinted that this season may be his last, as the world No. 1 stated.
“It’s unfortunate to see him go since the beginning of the year. I’m not sure where his body is. However, who else has the authority to act in his best interests? He is our sport’s legend. I hope he can make it back to Roland Garros, his favorite clay court, as a tennis enthusiast.
In 59 men’s Open Era encounters, Djokovic has a 30-29 advantage over Nadal, but the Spaniard has won their most recent match at the 2022 French Open.
