“Very painful and sad for everyone that you cannot be at Roland Garros”

Rafael Nadalone of the best tennis players of all time, announced this Thursday that he will not play Roland Garros -tournament in which he won 14 titles and from which he will be absent for the first time since his first participation, in 2005- and that he will stay away from the courts during the following months to prepare his return in 2024, which will probably be the last season of his career. And the world of tennis did not take long to react to the news and send him his support and his desire to see him again on the courts soon.

One of the most heartfelt messages that the Mallorcan received was that of his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz.

“A lot of encouragement Rafa! Very painful and sad for everyone that you can’t be at Roland Garros or play more this year, but hoping that 2024 will be a great season for you and you can say goodbye as the great champion you are,” wrote the Murcian. that will return to number one in the ranking on Monday, in Twitter.

A few weeks ago, Carlitos He had commented that he was very excited to be able to face Rafa on the clay courts of Paris.

“I like to play against the best and Nadal is one of the best in history, there is no doubt about it. His tournament is Roland Garros. So I would love to play with him in Paris, face him and see what happens. I think that he could beat him, but Rafa has a thousand lives there”, he had commented in an interview with the newspaper Brand.

Alcaraz will not be able to fulfill that wish this year, but perhaps he will next year, in what could end up being a kind of “handshake” between the Spaniard and who for many is called to be his heir.

“Hopefully he can come back as soon as possible because he is a great player, an impressive athlete and one of the best in history. Hopefully he can play a few more Slams as much as he can and we’ll see how it goes,” said the Russian. Daniil Medvedevshortly after beating the German Yannick Hanfmann and get into the semifinals of the Rome Masters 1000.

And he added: “I think his loss from Roland Garros opens up the possibility for many players even if you are not 100% physically, but if he had decided to play, he would have been favourite.”

Carla Suárez, another of Nadal’s compatriots, shared Alcaraz’s wish. “All the best in the world, Rafa. Hopefully you can return to compete very soon, you are healthy and you are able to complete your sports career as you deserve. We are looking forward to seeing you!” wrote on his networks who came to occupy the sixth step rankings and won two WTA titles.

From outside tennis there were also some greetings for the Spaniard. Former basketball player Pau Gasol, winner of two NBA rings and world champion with Spain in 2006, commented: “Dear Rafa, today is a hard day, but we are by your side more than ever. Proud of you now and always.”

look too