Recently retired players not at French Open this year including Federer, Serena Williams, Barty

The upcoming French Open will have major absences due to players who have retired in recent times, including Serena Williams, Roger Federer and Ashleigh Barty

The uncertainty surrounding Rafael Nadal's participation in the French Open is undoubtedly going to give the tournament a different flavor. However, it is not the only factor that will alter a draw that has always been full of stars. This year, fans will have to lament the notable absences of several important tennis players who retired since 2022.

South African Kevin Anderson retired after the 2022 Miami Open. Despite his quiet personality, he was a fan favorite, having reached two Grand Slam finals and world No. 5.

One of the most beloved tennis players for locals is Gilles Simon, who won 14 titles in his career and participated in 17 clay Grand Slams. At 37 years old, he retired at the Paris Masters 1000 with a defeat against Felix Auger-Aliassime. Another local player that fans will miss is Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, who played his last match at the 2022 French Open and lost in the first round against Casper Ruud.

On the women's side, three great absences stand out from players who were former world No. 1s and won several Grand Slams each. This includes Belgian Kim Clijsters, who returned to tennis in 2020 but did not win any matches on the tour due to injuries. Therefore, she did not return to the court at the French Open and stopped playing in April 2022.

Australian Ashleigh Barty, the 2019 French Open champion, was one of the most loved players on the tour. The athlete retired in 2022 at the age of 25, just weeks after winning the Australian Open and being world No. 1. Barty decided to hang up her racket to "pursue new dreams," although there are still fans who would like to see the 3-time Grand Slam champion return.

Roger Federer is one of the greatest legends of the sport, and without a doubt, the public of the Philippe Chatrier Court will miss the 20-time Grand Slam champion. Although Federer never managed to overcome the absolute dominator Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, he did reach four finals (all defeats against the Spaniard) and became the champion in 2009 by defeating the Swede Robin Soderling.

Serena Williams is probably the most recognized player in WTA history worldwide. The 23-time Grand Slam champion was a favorite and one of the most loved players on any court she played, including the French Open. The French public saw the former world No. 1 lifting the trophy in 2002, 2013, and 2015, in addition to the defeat in the 2016 final against the Spanish Garbine Muguruza. Williams retired after her participation in the 2022 US Open, after her defeat in the third round against Ajla Tomljanovic.