Rome, May 15 — Rafael Nadal’s early exit from the Italian Open has cast uncertainty over his participation in the upcoming French Open. The Spanish tennis legend was defeated in straight sets 6-1, 6-3 by Poland’s seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz in the second round on Saturday.
The 10-time champion in Rome struggled to find his form during the 93-minute match, leading to speculation about his readiness for the clay courts of Roland Garros. This loss could mark the end of an era for Nadal in Rome, following his announcement earlier this month that he would play the Madrid Open, the clay court event preceding Rome, for the last time in his career.
The 14-time French Open champion expressed uncertainty about his participation in the tournament scheduled to begin on May 26. "I need to evaluate my condition and see if I’m ready to compete at the highest level," Nadal said after the match. "The French Open is very important to me, but so is my health."
In women’s tennis, China’s rising star Zheng Qinwen is set to face Japan’s Naomi Osaka in an anticipated matchup. Zheng’s impressive performances have captured the attention of the tennis world, and the upcoming clash with the four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka is expected to be a significant test of her skills.
Tennis enthusiasts around the globe are watching these developments closely, as shifts in player dynamics signal exciting changes in the sport. Nadal’s potential absence from the French Open and Zheng’s ascent highlight the evolving landscape of international tennis.
