Rafael Nadal French Open

Rafael Nadal has called a press conference on Thursday afternoon to announce whether he will play this year’s French Open. Photo: Twitter @RolandGarros

BREAKING: Rafael Nadal calls press conference to confirm he’s OUT of French Open

Rafael Nadal has called a press conference on Thursday afternoon to announce whether he will play this year’s French Open.

Rafael Nadal French Open

Rafael Nadal has called a press conference on Thursday afternoon to announce whether he will play this year’s French Open. Photo: Twitter @RolandGarros

Rafael Nadal has called a press conference on Thursday afternoon to announce whether he will play this year’s French Open.

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Nadal, 36, hasn’t played since losing in the second round of the Australian Open in January 2023.

He has been seen practising on clay in a bid to be fit to defend his title in Paris, where he is a 14-time champion.

The press conference will be at 16:00 (SA time).

According to respected sports website MARCA, Nadal will announce that he will not play at Roland Garros.

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A statement from Nadal’s team on Wednesday said: “Tomorrow (18th) Rafa Nadal will hold a press conference at the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar at 16:00 CET (15:00 UK time).

“Whether or not he plays Roland Garros will be communicated then, as will the reasons why he decides one thing or the other.”

Rafael Nadal will drop out the world Top 100

If Nadal misses the French Open it will be the first time he has done so since 2004.

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Nadal has been battling injury issues since withdrawing from the Wimbledon semi-finals last year.

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He played two matches at the United Cup to start the 2023 season and then lost in the second round of the Australian Open to Mackenzie McDonald.

As defending champion in Paris, Nadal has 2 000 ranking points to defend.

If he doesn’t play the tournament he will drop out of the top 100 in the world rankings.

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