Tennis: Rafael Nadal’s French Open build-up suffers dent, knocked out in second round by Hubert Hurkacz
Rafael Nadal
RafaelNadal’sbuild-up to his final French Open season suffered a crushing blowafter he was knocked out in straight sets byPoland’sHubert Hurkacz on Saturday (May 11). Nadalhavingmade his way into the secondroundwas outclassed 1-6, 3-6andwas able towin only four games in the defeat. The loss also means theSpaniard’snext match will be at the FrenchOpenwhere he is likely to make his final appearancehavingstruggled with injuries over the last year.
Nadal out of Italian Open
"The decision, as you can imagine, is not clearin my mindtoday. But if I have to saywhat's my feeling and if my mind is closer one way or the other way, Igoing tosay be in Roland Garros and try my best,"Nadal told reporters.
"PhysicallyI have some issues, butnot probablyyet enough to say not playing in the most important event of my tennis career.Let'sseewhat'sgoing on, how I feel myself mentally tomorrow, after tomorrow, and in one week."
Nadalwith14 French Opentitleshas been struggling with injuries and is almost out of gas to add one more to that impressive tally. He has not featured in a Grand Slam since 2023 and willmake hisreturn to the big tournament at the month's end.
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After his defeat, he denied taking a farewell lap and said there is "98 percent, not 100 percent" of a return to the Italian tennis court as a player.
Hurkacz will face Tomas Etcheverry in the third round after likely ending Nadal's love affair with Rome as the 22-time Grand Slam winner looks set to call time on his career at the end of the season.
The French Open 2024 will start on20 Mayandwillconclude onJune 9with top names like Noval Djokovic and Nadal in action. While the headlines are about Nadal, Djokovic could script history with his 25th Grand Slam singles title, surpassing Margaret Court’s record of 24 titles.
