Instead of competing in Paris, Rafael Nadal visits Greece

• Tennis News
• Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal is not competing at Roland Garros for the first time since 2004! The Spaniard withdrew from his favorite event due to an ongoing hip injury, leaving other players to chase the title and Major glory. Instead, a 22-time Major winner visited his Rafa Nadal Tennis Center in Halkidiki, northern Greece, on Wednesday.

Nadal opened his center in 2019, and he returned to tour the facilities and spend time with the upcoming stars who train there. Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre is located at the Sani Resort in Halkidiki, with eight courts and facilities for players of all ages and skills.

For the first time in 20 years, Rafa can arrange his summer plans differently, staying away from the court since January and enjoying himself with his family and friends. Despite injuries, everything looked good for the Spaniard a year ago.

The veteran led the ATP Race after conquering the Australian Open and Roland Garros, looking good to become world no. 1 at 36! Instead, he experienced an abdominal injury at Wimbledon and withdrew ahead of the semi-final. Rafa revealed a seven-millimeter abdominal tear and left the tournament without facing Nick Kyrgios.

It remains Nadal's last notable tournament 11 months later!

Rafael Nadal visited his tennis center in Halkidiki on Wednesday.

The Spaniard scored three wins at the US Open before losing to Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round, feeling the pain and staying away from the court for two months.

Nadal could not find the rhythm in November after an extended break, losing four consecutive matches for the first time since 2009! Rafa embraced an off-season, hoping for a fresh start in 2023. Instead, he has played only four encounters this year, losing three and sealing his fate in the top-10 after Indian Wells!

Not feeling at his best, Rafa gave everything while seeking the Australian Open title defense. He overpowered the young Briton Jack Draper in the first round and faced Mackenzie McDonald in the second. The American scored a 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 triumph and delivered the Spaniard's earliest loss at Majors since 2016.

Rafa injured his left hip in the second set's closing stages, refusing to retire and giving his 120% in the third. However, he suffered a late break to propel the rival over the top and drop almost 2000 ATP points. After further checks, Nadal revealed a Grade 2 iliopsoas injury that will ruin the finishing stages of his incredible career.

Rafa plans to embrace his final run in 2024, returning to the events he likes and eager to end his glorious career on his terms.