Australia

Tennis Star Nadal to Miss French Open

MAY 19 2023·Updated MAY 22 2023

Story

Image credit: bbc

The Facts

Tennis star Rafael Nadal announced Thursday that a hip injury would keep him from competing in the 2023 French Open later this month, and he expects the 2024 tennis season to be his last.
Reuters
Nadal, the defending French Open champion, has won the title a record 14 times at Roland Garros. This will be the first time he has missed the event since 2004.
USA Today
Although Nadal — a holder of 22 major titles — started practicing in recent weeks, he was unable to get in the requisite tennis shape after not playing since he sustained a hip injury at the Australian Open in January.
BBC News
His lengthy injury absence has also led the Spaniard — who holds a career record of 112 wins to three losses at the French Open — to drop out of the top 10 of the world’s rankings for the first time in 18 years. He hasn't set a date for his 2023 return.
Al Jazeera
Nadal told reporters he hopes to be “100% ready for next year,” but he didn’t make the decision to skip the French Open; his body did.
Forbes

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Considering the litany of injuries Nadal has fought through during his prestigious career, everyone knew, eventually, his body would succumb and need something close to a permanent break. His unmatched determination carried him to this point, and he can’t be counted out, but it won't be a surprise if he's never seen competing on a pro tennis court again.

Deadspin

Narrative B

It’s Nadal’s career of overcoming physical impediments to achieve amazing results that should make everyone believe this isn’t the end of the road for the King of Clay. Someone so skilled, determined, and indefatigable should never be counted out, and it won’t be a surprise if he not only comes back to the tour but if he also wins titles and maybe even another French Open.