Nadal will miss the French Open for the primary time since making his debut in 2005. The 36-year-old has an unbelievable report on the event - successful 14 titles and dropping simply three matches.

He has solely ever withdrawn part-way by way of the occasion as soon as - in 2016 with a wrist damage. But on Thursday Nadal confirmed that he could be absent this 12 months, saying: “I won’t be able to play at Roland Garros. It's not a decision I made, it's a decision my body made.”

The event has now responded in an emotional Instagram put up, as they shared their hopes of seeing the 14-time champion make a return subsequent 12 months. “Rafa, We can't imagine how hard this decision was,” they wrote below a photograph of Nadal holding the trophy 11 months in the past.

“We'll definitely miss you at this year's Roland-Garros. Take care of yourself to come back stronger on courts. Hoping to see you next year in Paris.” It comes as Nadal confessed that he would take a break from tennis for a number of months with the goal of getting a final hurrah in 2024.

“I don't know what happens next year,” he admitted, discussing whether or not or not he may very well be a Grand Slam contender once more. “I've some intentions however issues are set by some elements.