Rafael Nadal drops out of the top 10. Will he play French Open 2023?
Rafael Nadal drops out of the Top-10 ranking for the first time in almost 18 years. The 22 Grand Slam title winner will miss the upcoming US ATP Masters 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami, losing some crucial points.
During the Australian Open, Nadal suffered a muscle injury during a second round match against American player MacKenzie McDonald. According to initial reports, Nadal would return after 6-8 weeks. However, he will now miss the tournaments of Indian Wells and Miami, where he reached the final last year, and lose the points he earned with his performance. This will result in his drop from the Top-10 ranking.
Nadal expressed disappointment at not being able to participate in the upcoming tournaments and said he will miss his American fans and hopes to return soon. He posted a video on social media showing him training and working on his rehabilitation.
Rafa posted a video on social media where he planned to train and said: “Hello everyone, I haven’t written on social media for a while. On the advice of the doctors, I started the gym and rehab, I want to work and come back in the best possible condition.
I am very sad that I will not be able to attend and participate in the upcoming tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami. Very sad, I will miss my American fans and hope to be back soon.”
When will Nadal make a comeback?
Nadal said he plans to return to the ATP tournament in Monte Carlo and prepare for the clay-court season. And then prepare for French Open
Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas expressed disappointment at Nadal’s absence and said he hopes to see the Spanish player again next year.
“We hope he recovers quickly and see him back in Indian Wells next year,” tournament director Tommy Haas said in the words quoted by Marca.
Nadal’s longevity records are impressive as he is the only player to be in the Top-10 rankings since April 2005. However, his injury forced him to take a break and drop out of the rankings.