French Open is not going to get drenched in Nadal mania, this year. The news of Rafael Nadal missing the tournament has disappointed fans all around the globe. While his injury woes are heartbreaking, his fightback has always been inspiring. Many fear that after Federer, Nadal is going to break the hearts of fans soon. After announcing that the 2024 season would probably be his last on the ATP Tour, fans and renowned names in the world of tennis gave their opinions. Former Spanish tennis star Alex Corretja recently joined the chorus as he expressed his sadness in an interview with Eurosport.

Rafael Nadal has been missing from action due to injuries in his lower abdomen and right leg since January this year. Rafael Nadal has dominated the French Open courts since 2005, defeating almost every who is who of tennis on the clay courts. Although it was expected, the Spanish legend’s announcement about his absence from Roland Garros in a news conference on Thursday did send shockwaves across the tennis community.

The absence of Rafael Nadal will be profound in the upcoming French Open

Alex Corretja, a former world No. 2 and two-time French open runner up, shared a series of comments about his compatriot. His comments reflected sorrow, respect for the legend and hope for his return. He went on to say that he feels empty about the Spaniard missing the Roland Garros while speaking to Eurosport.

He said, “I feel empty. It is not going to be the same without Rafa at Roland-Garros. What he has achieved at the tournament is impossible to repeat, in my opinion. I was hoping he could have a few warm-up tournaments, but given he has taken this decision, it means he was not ready for the best-of-five-set matches.”

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Not just empty, but he said that how he felt tennis courts without Rafael ‘shadows’ and action to be strange. “It’s very weird,” he said.

The two time French Open finalist added that he was sure about a Nadal victory even though he has been out of touch. Because ‘rules’ don’t apply to legends. Especially when he is a 14-time French Open winner.

“I thought that he was going to be able to win, even if he didn’t play too many tournaments before because he is Rafa – the greatest guy in history, for sure, on those courts.”

And what amazes him about Rafael?
“That is what amazes me most about Rafa: he overcomes everything, and his achievements will be impossible to repeat.” said the Spanish tennis player talking to Eurosport’s Arnold Montgault.

Will the ‘King of Clay’ leave the sport with a bang?

Although Corretja wanted him to play in the French Open this year, he thinks Nadal should concentrate on his fitness to play in the next year. Nadal has already said in a press conference that 2024 could be his last year. Corretja felt that he “loves his decision” to be fully fit for the “last dance” of his career.

Corretja remarked that Nadal’s mind “wants to commit” but his “body resists”.

The former Spanish player further added that Nadal’s commitment to the game is unquestionable, just his injury woes halt him.

Read More: Devastating Back-To-Back Blows for 36-Year-Old Rafael Nadal Fans as Latest Decision Indicates Bad Signs Over His French Open 2023 Participation

Alex further added that the tennis legend was enthusiastic enough to combine family life and tennis. He remarked that it would be strange for Nadal to watch the 2023 tournament on TV. But he would naturally feel “amazed ” at what the Spanish legend has done for the game.

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