World No.1 Novak Djokovic has added his voice to those hoping tennis legend Rafael Nadal can make it to the French open this year.
The Serbian star has declared it important to tennis that Nadal features, with the Spaniard expected to end his career at the end of this season. The 14-times Roland Garros winner was forced to pull out of the Monte Carlo Masters as he continues to deal with injury issues that saw his comeback cut short earlier this year.
Djokovic is set to face Roman Safiullin or a qualifier in the second round of the Monaco tournament and was broached to speak about Nadal's situation. The current French and US Open champion believes his future is only something Nadal should be concerned with.
“He is a legend of this sport, and as a tennis fan, I hope he can be at Roland Garros,” Djokovic said in Monte Carlo. “It is important for tennis that he can play, especially this year, where he has said it may be his last. No one except him has the right to say what is good for him."
Nadal has not played since reaching the quarter-finals of the Brisbane international in January. After coasting past Dominic Thiem and Jason Kubler, he came unstuck against Jordan Thompson despite having won the opening set.
Rafael Nadal sends upbeat message amid worrying form ahead of Australian Open
The 37-year-old picked up a muscle injury during that defeat in a blow to his return after a 347-day absence from the circuit. The only match Nadal has played since is an exhibition against Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas last month.
The veteran star now faces a delay to his clay-court season, with many fans hopeful of Nadal once again finding success in France. Injury appears to have got in the way.
Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on in his match against Jordan Thompson (Chris Hyde/Getty Images)His announcement on Instagram read: "Hi all, these are very difficult moments for me, sporting wise. Unfortunately I have to tell you that I am not going to be playing in Monte Carlo. My body simply won’t allow me.
"And even if I am working hard & making the maximum effort every day with all the will to play and compete again at tournaments that have been very important for me, the truth is that I can’t play today. You have no idea how hard this is for me to not be able to play these events.
"The only thing I can do is to accept the situation and try to look at the immediate future keeping the excitement and will to play in order to give me a chance for things to get better. Thanks again to all, as always, for all the support and best wishes!"
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