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Rising French star Arthur Fils says it is "a shame" that Rafael Nadal won't be at the French Open and said he is rooting for the Spaniard to win a few more Grand Slams and go out with a bang next year. On Thursday, Nadal held a special press conference in Manacor, where he confirmed he would not be able to defend his French Open title.
Also, Nadal revealed his plans to retire in 2024. Fils, 18, grew up watching and idolizing Nadal and he is hoping the Spaniard can enjoy success in his final season on the Tour in 2024. “Obviously I think it is a shame that Rafa is not at Roland‐Garros.
I hope that he will win a few more Grand Slam tournaments," Fils said, per We Love Tennis.
Fils rooting for Nadal to go out with a bang
Nadal is also set to miss Wimbledon and it is unclear if and when he will again play in 2024.
For 2024, two of Nadal's biggest goals will be to play at the French Open and Paris Olympics. “My idea and my motivation is to try to enjoy the Tour and say goodbye to all the tournaments that I enjoyed playing. The Olympic Games are one of them, but I can’t say yet that it will be my last tournament or not," Nadal said.
On Thursday, Nadal explained why he will attempt to make one final return before calling it a career. “What maintains things alive first is (having), enough force to say that I didn’t deserve to finish like that.
I had enough force and satisfaction during my career to make things happen by myself, always trying to reach high goals. Sometimes I could make it, sometimes not. To be back, competing at the highest professional level would be a satisfaction to finish the way I intend to.
I’m aware that it’s not (like this at) the moment. But I’m also aware on the fact that it’s worth a last effort, it’s my philosophy, I keep it and I will fight for it. If the body responds, I will do things worth a lot of efforts," Nadal explained.