Rafael Nadal withdraws from French Open due to hip injury
14-time champion to miss Roland-Garros for the first time in 19 years
Nadal's withdrawal changes complexion of the tournament
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the French Open for the first time in 19 years due to a hip injury. The 14-time champion made the announcement on Thursday, May 18, just four days before the tournament was set to begin. Nadal has been struggling with a hip injury since the Madrid Open in early May. He aggravated the injury during his third-round win over Alexander Zverev at the Italian Open on May 15. Nadal had been hoping to recover in time for the French Open, but he said that he has not made enough progress and that he does not want to risk further injury. "I have made this decision after listening to my body and talking to my team," Nadal said in a statement. "I am very sad to miss the French Open, but I know that it is the right decision. I hope to be back next year." Nadal's withdrawal is a major blow to the French Open. He is one of the most popular players in the world and his absence will be felt by fans and players alike. Nadal has won a record 14 titles at Roland-Garros, including the last four in a row. He is also the only player to have won the tournament more than 10 times. Nadal's withdrawal also changes the complexion of the tournament. With Nadal out, Novak Djokovic is now the clear favorite to win the title. Djokovic has won the French Open twice before, in 2016 and 2021. He is also the world No. 1 and has been in excellent form this season. Other players who could contend for the title include Carlos Alcaraz, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Alexander Zverev. Alcaraz is the rising star of the men's game and has already won two Masters 1000 titles this season. Tsitsipas is a former French Open finalist and is always a threat on clay. Zverev is a two-time ATP Finals champion and is one of the most dangerous players on tour when he is on form.
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