King of Clay Rafael Nadal has hinted at a possible return to the French Open next year as he prepares for the 2024 showpiece&nbsp;which&nbsp;starts on Sunday (May 26). Nadal, a 14-time champion at the French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;has been struggling with muscle injury for over a year and is likely to retire at the end of the current tennis season. Nadal will start his French Open 2024 campaign on Monday (May 27) against Olympic champion Alexander Zverev.

<h2>Nadal hints at possible return to Roland Garros</h2>

"There is a good chance that it will be my last French Open, but I cannot say that I am 100% certain it will be the last,"&nbsp;said the Spaniard.

"I&nbsp;have gone through a long recovery process. Now&nbsp;I'm&nbsp;better than a month ago. So&nbsp;in&nbsp;a way, I&nbsp;don't&nbsp;want to close the door 100%. I love tennis,&nbsp;I&nbsp;travel with my family&nbsp;and&nbsp;we are all happy,”&nbsp;added Nadal.

Now ranked 276th in the world, Nadal will be playing in just his fifth tournament since January 2023. Considering his injury issues and his age, it&nbsp;is predicted&nbsp;that Nadal will be playing his final French Open. The Spaniard will turn 38 on June 3 and is already running out of gas play at the highest level.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-hardik-pandya-to-fly-from-london-as-team-indias-first-batch-to-depart-for-new-york-on-may-25-725274">T20 World Cup: Hardik Pandya to fly from London as Team India's first batch to depart for New York on May 25</a>

His challenge at the French Open was made more vulnerable on Thursday when the draws came out. He will&nbsp;be facing&nbsp;fourth seed Zverev&nbsp;against&nbsp;whom he will be the second-favourite. In his illustrious playing career at the Roland Garros, Nadal has lost only four times and won an unprecedented 14 titles in Paris. While those defeats were shocks considering Nadal was the favourite to win,&nbsp;Monday’s&nbsp;match against Zverev will be the first time he will walk out as the second favourite in over two decades.

If the current season ends up being&nbsp;Nadal’s&nbsp;last&nbsp;he will drop curtains on his career with 22 Grand Slam titles. He is only second to Novak Djokovic for most Grand Slam titles won by a male and was at the top of his game for the better part of two decades. He also won two Australian Open and two Wimbledon Open titles&nbsp;during his career. &nbsp;

King of Clay Rafael Nadal has hinted at a possible return to the French Open next year as he prepares for the 2024 showpiece which starts on Sunday (May 26). Nadal, a 14-time champion at the French Open has been struggling with muscle injury for over a year and is likely to retire at the end of the current tennis season.

King of Clay Rafael Nadal has hinted at a possible return to the French Open next year as he prepares for the 2024 showpiece which starts on Sunday (May 26). Nadal, a 14-time champion at the French Open has been struggling with muscle injury for over a year and is likely to retire at the end of the current tennis season. Nadal will start his French Open 2024 campaign on Monday (May 27) against Olympic champion Alexander Zverev. Nadal hints at possible return to Roland Garros "There is a good chance that it will be my last French Open, but I cannot say that I am 100% certain it will be the last," said the Spaniard. "I have gone through a long recovery process. Now I'm better than a month ago. So in a way, I don't want to close the door 100%. I love tennis, I travel with my family and we are all happy,” added Nadal. Now ranked 276th in the world, Nadal will be playing in just his fifth tournament since January 2023. Considering his injury issues and his age, it is predicted that Nadal will be playing his final French Open. The Spaniard will turn 38 on June 3 and is already running out of gas play at the highest level. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: Hardik Pandya to fly from London as Team India's first batch to depart for New York on May 25 His challenge at the French Open was made more vulnerable on Thursday when the draws came out. He will be facing fourth seed Zverev against whom he will be the second-favourite. In his illustrious playing career at the Roland Garros, Nadal has lost only four times and won an unprecedented 14 titles in Paris. While those defeats were shocks considering Nadal was the favourite to win, Monday’s match against Zverev will be the first time he will walk out as the second favourite in over two decades. If the current season ends up being Nadal’s last he will drop curtains on his career with 22 Grand Slam titles. He is only second to Novak Djokovic for most Grand Slam titles won by a male and was at the top of his game for the better part of two decades. He also won two Australian Open and two Wimbledon Open titles during his career.

‘Not 100 per cent certain this will be my last French Open’: Rafael Nadal hints at possible return in 2025

World number one Novak Djokovic fell to 44th-ranked Czech Tomas Machac, 6-4, 0-6, 6-1, in the semi-finals in Geneva on Friday ahead of his French Open title defence.

Djokovic, 37, took a wild card to the Swiss clay-court tournament in a bid to reverse an alarming dip in form ahead of Roland Garros where the 24-time Grand Slam champion has won three times.

"I have no reaction right now, I just fought for every ball," said 23-year-old Machac.

"When you play against Novak you just hope. You just try to play your best and see what it looks like."

Djokovic, bidding to reach his first final of the season, received a medical timeout at the end of the first set.&nbsp;

The Serb will head to Roland Garros where he faces Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the first round having won no titles this year.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/never-say-never-ab-de-villiers-joins-list-of-elite-candidates-for-indias-head-coach-job-724937">‘Never say never’ – AB de Villiers joins list of elite candidates for India’s head coach job</a>

Machac, competing in his maiden tour-level semi-final, rallied from a&nbsp;break down&nbsp;in the first set and after failing to win a game in the second powered back in the third set.

"I'm looking forward to playing in a final for the first time," said Machac who will face two-time champion Casper Ruud or Italian Flavio Cobolli in the title match on Saturday.

Ruud, the world number seven, was the runner-up in the last two French Open finals, including a defeat to Djokovic last year.

World number one Novak Djokovic fell to 44th-ranked Czech Tomas Machac, 6-4, 0-6, 6-1, in the semi-finals in Geneva on Friday ahead of his French Open title defence.

World number one Novak Djokovic fell to 44th-ranked Czech Tomas Machac, 6-4, 0-6, 6-1, in the semi-finals in Geneva on Friday ahead of his French Open title defence. Djokovic, 37, took a wild card to the Swiss clay-court tournament in a bid to reverse an alarming dip in form ahead of Roland Garros where the 24-time Grand Slam champion has won three times. "I have no reaction right now, I just fought for every ball," said 23-year-old Machac. "When you play against Novak you just hope. You just try to play your best and see what it looks like." Djokovic, bidding to reach his first final of the season, received a medical timeout at the end of the first set. The Serb will head to Roland Garros where he faces Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the first round having won no titles this year. ALSO READ | ‘Never say never’ – AB de Villiers joins list of elite candidates for India’s head coach job Machac, competing in his maiden tour-level semi-final, rallied from a break down in the first set and after failing to win a game in the second powered back in the third set. "I'm looking forward to playing in a final for the first time," said Machac who will face two-time champion Casper Ruud or Italian Flavio Cobolli in the title match on Saturday. Ruud, the world number seven, was the runner-up in the last two French Open finals, including a defeat to Djokovic last year.

Novak Djokovic falls to Czech Tomas Machac in Geneva semis in build-up to French Open

Rafael Nadal will face world number four Alexander Zverev in a blockbuster first round match at his farewell French Open while women's champion Iga Swiatek and fellow four-time major winner Naomi Osaka are on a second round collision course.

Defending men's champion and 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic will face French veteran Pierre Hugues-Herbert in his opener.

Nadal, who has won Roland Garros on 14 occasions, is unseeded after injury saw his ranking plummet to 276.

He and Zverev met in the semi-finals in 2022 when the German was forced to retire after suffering a serious ankle injury.

Nadal, the winner of 22 Grand Slam titles, will turn 38 next week and this season will be his last on tour.

He holds a 7-3 winning head-to-head record against Germany's Zverev with five of those victories coming on clay.

Zverev, 27, arrives in Paris on the back of lifting the Rome Open title last weekend.

"I'm going to play the French Open thinking that I can give my all, 100 per cent," said Nadal after a second round exit in Rome last week.

As well as 14 titles in Paris, Nadal can boast a record of 112 wins and just three losses, two of which came against Djokovic who will be chasing a fourth French Open title.

"I imagine that looking at the draw, Nadal is not going to be delighted," said French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo.&nbsp;

"Zverev is in very good shape, obviously it looks very complicated. But Nadal is a warrior, an extraordinary competitor. It's Rafa so anything is possible."

Djokovic turned 37 on Wednesday and marked the occasion by winning the 1,100th match of his career in Geneva.

The Serb has yet to win a title in 2024 with runs to the semi-finals at the Australian Open and Monte Carlo Masters his best performances.

Following Thursday's draw, Djokovic is seeded to face Zverev in the semi-finals.

World number two Jannik Sinner, who took Djokovic's Australian Open title in January, faces&nbsp;Christopher Eubanks of the United States.

Third-seeded&nbsp;Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, a semi-finalist in Paris in 2023,&nbsp;plays a qualifier.

Sinner and Alcaraz are seeded to meet in the semi-finals but both men have been suffering from injuries which forced them to skip the Rome event.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-2024-ecb-appoints-manchester-citys-david-young-as-team-psychologist-724661">T20 World Cup 2024: ECB appoints Manchester City's David Young as team psychologist</a>

<h2>Murray v Wawrinka</h2>

Andy Murray, the 2016 runner-up, is also competing at the tournament for the final time.

The 37-year-old tackles 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka, 39, in a battle of grizzled Grand Slam veterans.

The pair have met 22 times in a two-decade rivalry with Murray boasting a 13-9 edge.

Three of those clashes have come at Roland Garros with Murray winning in the semi-finals in 2016 while the Swiss came out on top in the last-four in 2017 and first round in 2020.

In the women's draw, top seed and world number one Swiatek will take on a qualifier with Osaka facing Lucia Bronzetti of Italy in their openers before a potential second round clash.

Swiatek is bidding to win a fifth major and fourth French Open title.

"It feels like home here," said Swiatek who arrives at the tournament with clay-court titles in Madrid and Rome under her belt.&nbsp;

Former world number one Osaka, now ranked 134, has never got past the third round in Paris. Bronzetti, the world number 48, has yet to win a main draw in two visits.

Osaka, 26, has endured a bittersweet relationship with the French Open.

In 2021, she was fined for opting out of mandatory media commitments before withdrawing from the competition after just one match insisting she was protecting her mental health.

Osaka missed the 2023 edition due to being pregnant before giving birth to a baby girl in July.

Swiatek, meanwhile, is bidding to become the first player to lift three successive women's titles in Paris since Justine Henin in 2007.

World number two Aryna Sabalenka starts against 101-ranked Erika Andreeva of Russia.

Third seed and US Open champion Coco Gauff faces a qualifier in the first round and is seeded to face Swiatek in the semi-finals.

Double Australian Open champion Sabalenka is seeded to take on former Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina in the last four.

Rafael Nadal will face world number four Alexander Zverev in a blockbuster first round match at his farewell French Open while women's champion Iga Swiatek and fellow four-time major winner Naomi Osaka are on a second round collision course.

Rafael Nadal will face world number four Alexander Zverev in a blockbuster first round match at his farewell French Open while women's champion Iga Swiatek and fellow four-time major winner Naomi Osaka are on a second round collision course. Defending men's champion and 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic will face French veteran Pierre Hugues-Herbert in his opener. Nadal, who has won Roland Garros on 14 occasions, is unseeded after injury saw his ranking plummet to 276. He and Zverev met in the semi-finals in 2022 when the German was forced to retire after suffering a serious ankle injury. Nadal, the winner of 22 Grand Slam titles, will turn 38 next week and this season will be his last on tour. He holds a 7-3 winning head-to-head record against Germany's Zverev with five of those victories coming on clay. Zverev, 27, arrives in Paris on the back of lifting the Rome Open title last weekend. "I'm going to play the French Open thinking that I can give my all, 100 per cent," said Nadal after a second round exit in Rome last week. As well as 14 titles in Paris, Nadal can boast a record of 112 wins and just three losses, two of which came against Djokovic who will be chasing a fourth French Open title. "I imagine that looking at the draw, Nadal is not going to be delighted," said French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo. "Zverev is in very good shape, obviously it looks very complicated. But Nadal is a warrior, an extraordinary competitor. It's Rafa so anything is possible." Djokovic turned 37 on Wednesday and marked the occasion by winning the 1,100th match of his career in Geneva. The Serb has yet to win a title in 2024 with runs to the semi-finals at the Australian Open and Monte Carlo Masters his best performances. Following Thursday's draw, Djokovic is seeded to face Zverev in the semi-finals. World number two Jannik Sinner, who took Djokovic's Australian Open title in January, faces Christopher Eubanks of the United States. Third-seeded Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, a semi-finalist in Paris in 2023, plays a qualifier. Sinner and Alcaraz are seeded to meet in the semi-finals but both men have been suffering from injuries which forced them to skip the Rome event. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup 2024: ECB appoints Manchester City's David Young as team psychologist Murray v Wawrinka Andy Murray, the 2016 runner-up, is also competing at the tournament for the final time. The 37-year-old tackles 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka, 39, in a battle of grizzled Grand Slam veterans. The pair have met 22 times in a two-decade rivalry with Murray boasting a 13-9 edge. Three of those clashes have come at Roland Garros with Murray winning in the semi-finals in 2016 while the Swiss came out on top in the last-four in 2017 and first round in 2020. In the women's draw, top seed and world number one Swiatek will take on a qualifier with Osaka facing Lucia Bronzetti of Italy in their openers before a potential second round clash. Swiatek is bidding to win a fifth major and fourth French Open title. "It feels like home here," said Swiatek who arrives at the tournament with clay-court titles in Madrid and Rome under her belt. Former world number one Osaka, now ranked 134, has never got past the third round in Paris. Bronzetti, the world number 48, has yet to win a main draw in two visits. Osaka, 26, has endured a bittersweet relationship with the French Open. In 2021, she was fined for opting out of mandatory media commitments before withdrawing from the competition after just one match insisting she was protecting her mental health. Osaka missed the 2023 edition due to being pregnant before giving birth to a baby girl in July. Swiatek, meanwhile, is bidding to become the first player to lift three successive women's titles in Paris since Justine Henin in 2007. World number two Aryna Sabalenka starts against 101-ranked Erika Andreeva of Russia. Third seed and US Open champion Coco Gauff faces a qualifier in the first round and is seeded to face Swiatek in the semi-finals. Double Australian Open champion Sabalenka is seeded to take on former Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina in the last four.

French Open 2024: Rafael Nadal faces Alexander Zverev; Iga Swiatek, Osaka eye clash

World number five Jessica Pegula has pulled out of the French Open as she continues to focus on her recovery from injuries, the American tennis player said on Wednesday. The 30-year-old said earlier this month she was unsure of her participation in Paris after shaking off an injury that derailed her claycourt season.

Pegula last competed in the Billie Jean King Cup in April. She missed the Middle East swing in February due to a neck issue.

"Unfortunately pulling out of Roland Garros this year," Pegula said in a post on Instagram. "I'm just about back to practicing normal haven't had any issues for weeks... If I had another 5-7 days I would have been there 100%. "So I will definitely be back for a full grass season and the rest of the summer and grinding out the rest of the year. Gotta get that match count up."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis/news-french-open-2024-dominic-thiem-bid-farewell-to-ronald-garros-after-loss-in-qualifiers-724336">French Open 2024: Dominic Thiem bids farewell to Ronald Garros after loss in qualifiers</a>

Pegula, who reached the third round at Roland Garros last year, did not specify what the latest injury was. She also missed Rome, Stuttgart and Madrid this season.

One of the most consistent players on the WTA Tour last season, Pegula won the Montreal title in the build-up to the U.S. Open, where she reached the round of 16.

The first round at Roland Garros starts on Sunday.

World number five Jessica Pegula has pulled out of the French Open as she continues to focus on her recovery from injuries, the American tennis player said on Wednesday.

World number five Jessica Pegula has pulled out of the French Open as she continues to focus on her recovery from injuries, the American tennis player said on Wednesday. The 30-year-old said earlier this month she was unsure of her participation in Paris after shaking off an injury that derailed her claycourt season. Pegula last competed in the Billie Jean King Cup in April. She missed the Middle East swing in February due to a neck issue. "Unfortunately pulling out of Roland Garros this year," Pegula said in a post on Instagram. "I'm just about back to practicing normal haven't had any issues for weeks... If I had another 5-7 days I would have been there 100%. "So I will definitely be back for a full grass season and the rest of the summer and grinding out the rest of the year. Gotta get that match count up." Also read: French Open 2024: Dominic Thiem bids farewell to Ronald Garros after loss in qualifiers Pegula, who reached the third round at Roland Garros last year, did not specify what the latest injury was. She also missed Rome, Stuttgart and Madrid this season. One of the most consistent players on the WTA Tour last season, Pegula won the Montreal title in the build-up to the U.S. Open, where she reached the round of 16. The first round at Roland Garros starts on Sunday.

World number five Jessica Pegula withdraws from French Open to focus on recovery

Two-time finalist Dominic Thiem said a sad farewell to Roland Garros after the soon-to-retire Austrian was knocked out in the second round of qualifiers&nbsp;on Wednesday.

Thiem, the 2018 and 2019 finalist, went down 6-2, 7-5 to Finland's Otto Virtanen and was then presented with a commemorative trophy by tournament director Amelie Mauresmo.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/news-olympics-serbian-long-jumper-ivana-spanovic-hoping-to-complete-her-story-at-paris-2024-724295">Olympics: Serbian long jumper Ivana Spanovic hoping to 'complete her story' at Paris 2024</a>

Thiem was visibly moved as he spoke fondly of his connection with the French clay.

"Thank you for this marvellous goodbye," the Austrian said as he received his trophy.

"I have had so many good results, good memories and good moments on these courts, I'll never forget it," he said.

Thiem has failed to go past the first round of the main draw in Paris since his 2019 run to the final and has dropped from World No.3 to 131 in the rankings.

His career has been blighted by a niggling wrist injury and since his crowning moment in 2020 when he beat Alexander Zverev in the Covid-affected US Open final his career has nose-dived.

The 30-year-old has already announced plans to retire from tennis at the end of the 2024 season.

The first round of the French Open proper begins on Sunday.

Two-time finalist Dominic Thiem said a sad farewell to Roland Garros after the soon-to-retire Austrian was knocked out in the second round of qualifiers on Wednesday.

Two-time finalist Dominic Thiem said a sad farewell to Roland Garros after the soon-to-retire Austrian was knocked out in the second round of qualifiers on Wednesday. Thiem, the 2018 and 2019 finalist, went down 6-2, 7-5 to Finland's Otto Virtanen and was then presented with a commemorative trophy by tournament director Amelie Mauresmo. Also Read: Olympics: Serbian long jumper Ivana Spanovic hoping to 'complete her story' at Paris 2024 Thiem was visibly moved as he spoke fondly of his connection with the French clay. "Thank you for this marvellous goodbye," the Austrian said as he received his trophy. "I have had so many good results, good memories and good moments on these courts, I'll never forget it," he said. Thiem has failed to go past the first round of the main draw in Paris since his 2019 run to the final and has dropped from World No.3 to 131 in the rankings. His career has been blighted by a niggling wrist injury and since his crowning moment in 2020 when he beat Alexander Zverev in the Covid-affected US Open final his career has nose-dived. The 30-year-old has already announced plans to retire from tennis at the end of the 2024 season. The first round of the French Open proper begins on Sunday.

French Open 2024: Dominic Thiem bids farewell to Ronald Garros after loss in qualifiers

World number one Novak Djokovic is hoping to get a few matches under his belt at this week's Geneva Open ahead of his title defence at Roland Garros, after recovering from a freak injury he suffered this month.

Djokovic has struggled this season and has yet to win a tournament in 2024. The 24-times Grand Slam champion's preparations for the French Open have been far from ideal, beginning with a loss to Casper Ruud in the Monte Carlo semi-finals.

He then opted to skip the Madrid Open before losing in the third round of the Italian Open, two days after he was hit on the head by a fan's water bottle while signing autographs. The Serbian, who said he felt out of sorts during his 6-2 6-3 loss to Alejandro Tabilo, told reporters on Tuesday: "The head is good. All is well. I've trained for over a week and I'm feeling fine."

"I've dedicated quite a bit of time with my new fitness coach to build the endurance, to build physical strength and capabilities that I need in order to play a best-of-five Grand Slam on the physically most demanding surface, which is clay."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis/news-french-open-2024-novak-djokovic-picks-rafael-nadal-to-win-roland-garros-title-724039">French Open 2024: Novak Djokovic picks Rafael Nadal to win Roland Garros title</a>

"So, hopefully, I'm going to get more than one match here in Geneva, that's the goal and then let's see what happens in Paris."

In his first match in Geneva on Wednesday, Djokovic will face German Yannick Hanfmann, who beat three-times Grand Slam champion Andy Murray earlier in the tournament.

"The reason why I chose to come and play is because I feel like, at this moment, there is no better practice for me than match play," Djokovic said. "I feel like I need more matches, even if it's one match, two matches, three, four hopefully. It's good for me, because that's the way for me to try to find that kind of form that I need for Roland Garros."

World number one Novak Djokovic is hoping to get a few matches under his belt at this week's Geneva Open ahead of his title defence at Roland Garros, after recovering from a freak injury he suffered this month.

World number one Novak Djokovic is hoping to get a few matches under his belt at this week's Geneva Open ahead of his title defence at Roland Garros, after recovering from a freak injury he suffered this month. Djokovic has struggled this season and has yet to win a tournament in 2024. The 24-times Grand Slam champion's preparations for the French Open have been far from ideal, beginning with a loss to Casper Ruud in the Monte Carlo semi-finals. He then opted to skip the Madrid Open before losing in the third round of the Italian Open, two days after he was hit on the head by a fan's water bottle while signing autographs. The Serbian, who said he felt out of sorts during his 6-2 6-3 loss to Alejandro Tabilo, told reporters on Tuesday: "The head is good. All is well. I've trained for over a week and I'm feeling fine." "I've dedicated quite a bit of time with my new fitness coach to build the endurance, to build physical strength and capabilities that I need in order to play a best-of-five Grand Slam on the physically most demanding surface, which is clay." Also read: French Open 2024: Novak Djokovic picks Rafael Nadal to win Roland Garros title "So, hopefully, I'm going to get more than one match here in Geneva, that's the goal and then let's see what happens in Paris." In his first match in Geneva on Wednesday, Djokovic will face German Yannick Hanfmann, who beat three-times Grand Slam champion Andy Murray earlier in the tournament. "The reason why I chose to come and play is because I feel like, at this moment, there is no better practice for me than match play," Djokovic said. "I feel like I need more matches, even if it's one match, two matches, three, four hopefully. It's good for me, because that's the way for me to try to find that kind of form that I need for Roland Garros."

Tennis: World number one Novak Djokovic eager to regain form ahead of French Open defence

Britian's young sensation Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from French Open qualifying round, stating that she will instead focus on training for the grass and hard-court seasons. The youngster was being looked upon as one of the darkhorses and was expected to fight her way through three rounds of qualifying at Roland Garros, however, the 21-year-old surprised one and all by pulling out of the clay-court tournament.&nbsp;

In a statement, Raducanu -- who famously won the 2021 US Open -- said, “It’s important for me to keep laying on the foundations and I will use the time to do a healthy block before the grass and subsequent hard-court seasons to give myself a chance to keep fit for the rest of the year."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis/news-germanys-alexander-zverev-claims-sixth-masters-title-at-italian-open-723402">Germany's Alexander Zverev claims sixth Masters title at Italian Open</a>

It is to be noted that Raducanu entered the tournament courtesy of her protected ranking (103), however, she remains three spots outside the main draw. Hence, she was overlooked for a wild card.

Raducanu has made a promising start to the clay-court season ahead of the second Grand Slam of 2024, i.e. the French Open. She defeated the French duo Caroline Garcia and Diane Parry to lead Britain into the Billie Jean King Cup Finals and followed it up by reaching the quarters of the WTA event in Stuttgart.

The former world number one Raducanu -- who became the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title since Virginia Wade (1977) during her US Open triumph in 2021 -- will now look to make the most of her&nbsp;off-time and gear up nicely for the upcoming tournaments later this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Roland Garros kicks off soon, on May 29 in Paris, France.

Britian's young sensation Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from French Open qualifying round, stating that she will instead focus on training for the grass and hard-court seasons.

Britian's young sensation Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from French Open qualifying round, stating that she will instead focus on training for the grass and hard-court seasons. The youngster was being looked upon as one of the darkhorses and was expected to fight her way through three rounds of qualifying at Roland Garros, however, the 21-year-old surprised one and all by pulling out of the clay-court tournament. In a statement, Raducanu -- who famously won the 2021 US Open -- said, “It’s important for me to keep laying on the foundations and I will use the time to do a healthy block before the grass and subsequent hard-court seasons to give myself a chance to keep fit for the rest of the year." Also read: Germany's Alexander Zverev claims sixth Masters title at Italian Open It is to be noted that Raducanu entered the tournament courtesy of her protected ranking (103), however, she remains three spots outside the main draw. Hence, she was overlooked for a wild card. Raducanu has made a promising start to the clay-court season ahead of the second Grand Slam of 2024, i.e. the French Open. She defeated the French duo Caroline Garcia and Diane Parry to lead Britain into the Billie Jean King Cup Finals and followed it up by reaching the quarters of the WTA event in Stuttgart. The former world number one Raducanu -- who became the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title since Virginia Wade (1977) during her US Open triumph in 2021 -- will now look to make the most of her off-time and gear up nicely for the upcoming tournaments later this year. Meanwhile, the Roland Garros kicks off soon, on May 29 in Paris, France.

French Open 2024: 'I will use the time...' - Emma Raducanu pulls out of qualifiers after being denied wildcard

Venus Williams, Dominic Thiem, Simona Halep, Caroline Wozniacki and Emma Raducanu highlighted the list of players who missed out on a wild card for the upcoming French Open. The French Tennis Federation (FTF) announced the name of players who will be receiving the wild cards on Tuesday (May 14).

Venus Williams, a seven-time grand slam champion, is a former finalist&nbsp;at Roland Garros. She, however, hasn't played at the French Open since 2021. 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem is also a former finalist at the French Open. Thiem has already announced his retirement at the end of ongoing season owing to a longtime wrist injury.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/raphael-varane-to-leave-manchester-united-at-the-end-of-season-721402">Raphael Varane to leave Manchester United at the end of season</a>

Halep, who returned to the competitive tennis in March earlier year after her doping ban time period was reduced, has won the prestigious tournament in 2018 alongside 2019 Wimbledon as well.&nbsp;

Wozniacki, who ended her three-year long retirement in August last year, has been a quarterfinalist at the French Open twice. Wozniacki has 2018 Australian Open title to her name as a notable trophy.

British national Raducanu, who won the 2021 US Open and became the first qualifier in the Open Era history to a grand slam, has featured in French Open only once in 2022 which ended in second round.

However, Thiem, Wozniacki and Raducanu can still earn a place at the Roland Garros via qualifying round which starts on Monday (May 20). The main draw will start on May 26 with Iga Swiatek and Novak Djokovic being the women's singles and men's singles defending champions.

Among the French players who received the wild cards are: Alize Cornet, Fiona Ferro, Kristina Mladenovic, Richard Gasquet, Harold Mayot and Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

Two Americans Sachia Vickery and Nicolas Moreno de Alboran also got a place in the main draw owing to a mutual agreement between FTF and its US counterpart.

Venus Williams, Dominic Thiem, Simona Halep, Caroline Wozniacki and Emma Raducanu highlighted the list of players who missed out on a wild card for the upcoming French Open.

Venus Williams, Dominic Thiem, Simona Halep, Caroline Wozniacki and Emma Raducanu highlighted the list of players who missed out on a wild card for the upcoming French Open. The French Tennis Federation (FTF) announced the name of players who will be receiving the wild cards on Tuesday (May 14). Venus Williams, a seven-time grand slam champion, is a former finalist at Roland Garros. She, however, hasn't played at the French Open since 2021. 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem is also a former finalist at the French Open. Thiem has already announced his retirement at the end of ongoing season owing to a longtime wrist injury. Also Read: Raphael Varane to leave Manchester United at the end of season Halep, who returned to the competitive tennis in March earlier year after her doping ban time period was reduced, has won the prestigious tournament in 2018 alongside 2019 Wimbledon as well. Wozniacki, who ended her three-year long retirement in August last year, has been a quarterfinalist at the French Open twice. Wozniacki has 2018 Australian Open title to her name as a notable trophy. British national Raducanu, who won the 2021 US Open and became the first qualifier in the Open Era history to a grand slam, has featured in French Open only once in 2022 which ended in second round. However, Thiem, Wozniacki and Raducanu can still earn a place at the Roland Garros via qualifying round which starts on Monday (May 20). The main draw will start on May 26 with Iga Swiatek and Novak Djokovic being the women's singles and men's singles defending champions. Among the French players who received the wild cards are: Alize Cornet, Fiona Ferro, Kristina Mladenovic, Richard Gasquet, Harold Mayot and Pierre-Hugues Herbert. Two Americans Sachia Vickery and Nicolas Moreno de Alboran also got a place in the main draw owing to a mutual agreement between FTF and its US counterpart.

French Open 2024: Simona Halep, Venus Williams, Dominic Thiem miss out on wild cards

Rafael&nbsp;Nadal’s&nbsp;build-up to his final French Open season suffered a crushing blow&nbsp;after he was knocked out in straight sets by&nbsp;Poland’s&nbsp;Hubert Hurkacz on Saturday (May 11). Nadal&nbsp;having&nbsp;made his way into the second&nbsp;round&nbsp;was outclassed 1-6, 3-6&nbsp;and&nbsp;was able to&nbsp;win only four games in the defeat. The loss also means the&nbsp;Spaniard’s&nbsp;next match will be at the French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;where he is likely to make his final appearance&nbsp;having&nbsp;struggled with injuries over the last year.&nbsp;

<h2>Nadal out of Italian Open</h2>

"The decision, as you can imagine, is not clear&nbsp;in my mind&nbsp;today. But if I have to say&nbsp;what's&nbsp; my feeling and if my mind is closer one way or the other way, I&nbsp;going to&nbsp;say be in Roland Garros and try my best,"&nbsp;Nadal told reporters.&nbsp;

"Physically&nbsp;I have some issues, but&nbsp;not probably&nbsp;yet enough to say not playing in the most important event of my tennis career.&nbsp;Let's&nbsp;see&nbsp;what's&nbsp;going on, how I feel myself mentally tomorrow, after tomorrow, and in one week."

Nadal&nbsp;with&nbsp;14 French Open&nbsp;titles&nbsp;has 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 will&nbsp;make his&nbsp;return to the big tournament at the month's end.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-fan-touches-ms-dhonis-feet-during-gt-tie-as-mahi-continues-merry-run-with-late-sixes-watch-720319">IPL 2024: Fan touches MS Dhoni’s feet during GT tie as Mahi continues merry run with late sixes – WATCH</a>

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.&nbsp;

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 on&nbsp;20 May&nbsp;and&nbsp;will&nbsp;conclude on&nbsp;June 9&nbsp;with 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.&nbsp;

Rafael Nadal’s build-up to his final French Open season suffered a crushing blow after he was knocked out in straight sets by Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz on Saturday (May 11).

Rafael Nadal’s build-up to his final French Open season suffered a crushing blow after he was knocked out in straight sets by Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz on Saturday (May 11). Nadal having made his way into the second round was outclassed 1-6, 3-6 and was able to win only four games in the defeat. The loss also means the Spaniard’s next match will be at the French Open where he is likely to make his final appearance having struggled with injuries over the last year. Nadal out of Italian Open "The decision, as you can imagine, is not clear in my mind today. But if I have to say what's my feeling and if my mind is closer one way or the other way, I going to say be in Roland Garros and try my best," Nadal told reporters. "Physically I have some issues, but not probably yet enough to say not playing in the most important event of my tennis career. Let's see what's going on, how I feel myself mentally tomorrow, after tomorrow, and in one week." Nadal with 14 French Open titles has 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 will make his return to the big tournament at the month's end. ALSO READ | IPL 2024: Fan touches MS Dhoni’s feet during GT tie as Mahi continues merry run with late sixes – WATCH 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 on 20 May and will conclude on June 9 with 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.

Tennis: Rafael Nadal’s French Open build-up suffers dent, knocked out in second round by Hubert Hurkacz

french-open-2024

French Open 2024, News on French Open 2024, stories on French Open 2024, articles on French Open 2024, French Open 2024 stories at Wion, French Open 2024 news, French Open 2024 latest news

french open-2024