"It's a shame but life goes on": Toni Nadal mulls over Rafael Nadal not playing at Roland Garros

Rafael Nadal won't play at the 2023 Roland Garros and his uncle Toni Nadal admitted that it's a shame with a return in 2024 looking very likely for him.

Nadal's decision to pull out of Roland Garros is probably the hardest decision he has ever had to make because the Spaniard has never missed the event before this year. He was there every year, playing amazing tennis each year and winning most of the time. Toni Nadal referenced that when asked about not having his nephew there:

"It's disappointing that he can't be here because this is the only tournament he has never missed since the beginning of his career. Look, it was just bad luck that he couldn't recover in time, but that's okay, it's a shame, but life goes on."

Read also

Preview 2023 French Open Roland Garros: Life after Nadal, chance for Djokovic and Swiatek’s dominance questioned

2024 Return

The Spaniard should make a return to the event in 2024 but it's likely going to be his last event there as he announced that the 2024 season is likely his final one. Nobody knows for sure because nobody knows what the injury recovery might look like and the season is months away. When asked whether Nadal will be back in 2024, Toni Nadal said that he believes fully that he will:

"Yes. I believe because I want to believe. I know that with each passing year, it is more difficult to win, but I always believe that things will work out."

Read also

2023 French Open Roland Garros ATP and WTA Prize Money and Points Breakdown with €49.6m on offer

Roland Garros Favourites

When asked who might win the event in the absence of Nadal then Toni Nadal explained that it's likely going to be either Djokovic or Alcaraz:

"In my opinion, the first two favorites are Djokovic and Alcaraz. At the moment, it seems that Alcaraz is in better shape than Djokovic, but Nole is a great champion, if he feels good physically it is difficult to beat him. Alcaraz also has his weapons, of course. I think there are four or five players who can lift the trophy, but if I had to bet on someone, it would be Alcaraz or Djokovic."

Read also

"I felt part of me is leaving with him too": Djokovic gets emotional over Nadal's retirement announcement