"60-70% sure no Nadal at RG" - Tennis fans react after Nadal clutches knee in latest practice video ahead of French Open
Tennis fans were left dismayed after a new video of Rafael Nadal emerged from training. The Spaniard could be seen holding both his knees before walking away from his routine, raising doubts over his participation at the French Open.
The video was shared by a fan on Twitter, which has led to speculations that the 22-time Grand Slam winner may miss the Major he has dominated for decades with a record 14 titles.
Nadal last played on tour at the Australian Open in January, where he suffered a hip injury to the ileopsoas muscle in his left leg. The Spaniard has only played four matches the entire season, with a 1-3 record.
He beat Jack Draper in the first round at the Australian Open before losing to Mackenzie McDonald in the second. Before the Australian Open, he lost to Cameron Norrie and Alex de Minaur at the United Cup 2023.
Fans were quick to speculate that the former World No. 1 could miss the French Open, which starts on May 22.
"60-70% sure no Nadal at RG ๐," wrote a user on Twitter while sharing a practice video of the Spaniard.
60-70% sure no Nadal at RG ๐ https://t.co/XTlemQ9xiN
Another fan said:
"I honestly don't feel the point of pretending to be in pain even at the end of a practice. But maybe some genius who understands everything that "stupid Dullfans who play the victim card" can't understand can explain it to me ๐คทโโ๏ธ๐คทโโ๏ธ๐คทโโ๏ธ๐๐๐," he tweeted.
I honestly don't feel the point of pretending to be in pain even at the end of a practice.
But maybe some genius who understands everything that "stupid Dullfans who play the victim card" can't understand can explain it to me ๐คทโโ๏ธ๐คทโโ๏ธ๐คทโโ๏ธ๐๐๐ https://t.co/peuJhlMprt
Another fan opined that it has never been more evident that the chances of the 36-year-old playing the French Open are "over."
"It's so over, it's never been more over than this," they wrote.
It's so over, it's never been more over than this. twitter.com/FlavioBertolinโฆ
Here are some of the other reactions:
@vanshv2k Honestly sad. I donโt think any of us want this to happen fan or no fan of. As a RF fan it still hurts until this day that RF couldnโt go out the way he would have want to. I donโt wish that for any great champion.
@vanshv2k This is painful to watch. As a huge Rafa fan, i don't want to see him dragging himself through all these pains anymore. He has given us enough memories to cherish for lifetime. It's time now.
Time goes by, we grow older, the things we love just.. wither away. twitter.com/vanshv2k/statuโฆ
French Open main draw starts in 17 days. twitter.com/vanshv2k/statuโฆ
Just to clarify one last time about this video. First, it was not at the end of the practice. Then, he was not crying. He sat down for 5 minutes and then did slice. Then, intensity came back. Iโm not gonna tell you more because you will understand that I canโt say everything.
@vanshv2k Like Fed, he may never get that โone last majorโ before his body gives out. Either way, heโs been awesome to watch.
Carlos Alcaraz tipped to win French Open in Nadal's absence
While the French Open has always been Rafael Nadal's favorite hunting ground, former British-Canadian player Greg Rusedski recently opined that Carlos Alcaraz could lift the French Open title if Nadal doesn't play.
It has always been one of the Big 3 - Nadal, Federer or Djokovic - who have been considered the favorites at the claycourt Major. But given the ongoing fitness issues with both Djokovic and Nadal, Rusedski believes the current World No. 2 Alcaraz would be the favorite.
Alcaraz has been in good form and he recently won the Madrid Open, beating Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the final.
"Going in to this year's Roland Garros, Nadal hasn't played anything whatsoever leading up, who's always the favorite to win the title. Djokovic is hurt. This has got to be his best chance to win it because if any of those guys are healthier, any one of those three guys could win it. But right now, because of his form, he's got to be the favorite," Rusedski said after the Madrid Open final.
The French Open commences on May 22 with the qualifying rounds, while the first round starts on May 28.