Paris Without Nadal

For the first time since 2004

Rafael Nadal Practicing at the Citi Open, Washington, DC - © David H. Enzel, 2021

Rafael Nadal will not play in the 2023 French Open because of an injury. This marks the first year Rafael Nadal will not play at Roland-Garros since 2004. He’s won the French Open a record 14 times and is the defending champion.

What a difference a year makes. In 2022, he defeated Casper Ruud in three dominant sets to win his 14th French Open title and 22nd major title overall. Along the way to that title, he defeated Novak Djokovic in four sets in the quarterfinals. He was 36 years old at the time, making him the oldest player to win the French Open. He also won the 2022 Australian Open.

I saw Nadal practice at the 2021 Citi Open in Washington, DC before he had to drop out due to an injury. I will miss seeing the king of clay in Paris.