Tennis coach Rick Macci has highlighted Rafael Nadal’s absence from the 2023 French Open as a significant opportunity for other players to shine. Nadal has failed to recover from a hip injury suffered during the 2023 Australian Open, which led him to pull out of multiple favorite tournaments, including Monte-Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid, and the Italian Open.
Nadal’s Withdrawal from the French Open
In May 2023, Rafael Nadal announced his withdrawal from that year’s Roland Garros for the first time since 2004. His 14 titles in 18 appearances at the Paris Major are considered one of the most extraordinary achievements in all of sports. With a 112-3 win-loss record and a 97% winning percentage, the Spaniard’s absence has left a significant gap in the competition. Coach Rick Macci took to social media to express that the 2023 French Open is a true opportunity for other players to step up in Nadal’s absence.
Rafael Nadal’s French Open Legacy
Over his career, Nadal has only been taken to five sets on Court Philippe Chatrier three times – by John Isner, Novak Djokovic, and Felix-Auger Aliassime. Having made his Roland Garros debut in 2005 at age 19, Nadal has won 22 Grand Slam titles, with his first loss occurring against Robin Soderling in the fourth round of the 2009 edition.
Novak Djokovic Reflects on Nadal’s Impact on His Career
With Rafael Nadal’s announcement to return after recovering from his injury and potentially retiring in 2024, Novak Djokovic reflected on the impact Nadal has had on his career during a pre-tournament press conference at the 2023 French Open. Djokovic described Nadal as “one of the most impactful people” in his career and admitted feeling “emotional” about Nadal’s possible retirement. Nadal’s absence and Djokovic’s reflection serve as a reminder that the French Open is an opportunity for other players to make their mark in history.
