Rafael Nadal pulls out from Monte Carlo Masters, may return in French Open

Rafael Nadal on Thursday has confirmed on social media that he will not play in the Monte Carlo Masters event.  

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The former world number one has not participated in an ATP Tour tournament since returning to the court in Brisbane in January. Nadal returned with a lot of promise earlier this year and his performances in Australia raised questions about whether the 37-year-old could compete for the trophy.   

Injuries could be a concern for Nadal

Injuries remain a matter of serious concern for Rafael Nadal. After withdrawing from the Australian Open, Qatar Open and Indian Wells, the 22-time Grand Slam champion has now confirmed that he will be unable to compete at the Monte Carlo Masters next week. Nadal's return after an 11-month sabbatical has not gone according to plan, and missing the start of the clay season is another blow he will have to overcome if he is to prove he is still one of the greatest players in the game. 

Nadal Got injured in Australian Open

Rafael Nadal suffered a hip injury in last year's Australian Open, which forced him to sit out the rest of the season. He returned this year at the Brisbane International, but lost to Jordan Thompson in the quarterfinals. Nadal has not played any tour-level matches since then. However, he did compete against Carlos Alcaraz in an exhibition bout in Las Vegas last month. Former world No. 1 has fallen to 649th in the current ATP rankings. 

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Nadal has six weeks to get himself fit for French Open

The recurring setbacks will be a major hurdle in Rafael Nadal's season plans, putting his goal of winning the French Open, which he has won 14 times, in jeopardy. He has six weeks to get himself in peak condition for the Grand Slam, and a great performance could allow him to compete at the Paris Olympics 2024 at Roland Garros.