2024 Indian Wells Open could be final hard-court tournament ever for Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal will play his second tournament of the year at the 2024 Indian Wells, and it could potentially be his last tournament on hard courts. With his focus shifting towards the clay season, Nadal will not participate in the Miami Open, further hinting at the nearing end of his career.

The Spaniard has reiterated that 2024 is likely his final season, although he clarified that it will depend on how his body responds throughout the year. However, he has already withdrawn from a couple of tournaments in his calendar, and at 37 years old, his probable retirement could come this year at the French Open or the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, which will be played on the Roland Garros courts.

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Despite his remarkable career on clay, the 22-times Grand Slam champion is also one of the most effective players on hard courts in history. Nadal has won more than 514 matches on hard courts, ranking 4th in the Open Era behind Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andre Agassi.

Nadal has captured six hard-court titles, including 2 Australian Opens and 4 US Opens, placing him 4th all-time behind Federer, Djokovic, and Sampras. In total, he has claimed 25 titles in hard-court events, with 10 of them being Masters 1000 titles.

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Rafael Nadal handed tough route to begin Indian Wells return with blockbuster opening round ahead

The former world No. 1 could bid farewell to hard courts at Indian Wells, where he has been champion three times (2007, 2009, 2013) and was a finalist in 2011 (defeated by Djokovic), with his last participation in 2022 (defeated by Taylor Fritz).

Following Indian Wells, Nadal will compete in a couple of clay-court events in Europe to arrive in the best possible form for the French Open (May 20 – June 9). If he decides to postpone his retirement, he will continue with tournaments on grass, including Wimbledon in early July, and subsequently, the Olympic Games between July 27 and August 4.

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