The 14-time champion in Paris withdrew from the event on Thursday due to injury, and he also confirmed that next year will be his last as a professional tennis player.

The 36-year-old Spanish star has been nursing a hip injury he picked up during second round Australian Open, which he lost to Mackenzie McDonald in January. Back then it was initially believed that the play known as the Kings of Clay would only be out six to eight weeks.

However, in an April 20 social media post, the 22-time grand slam champion claimed that his recuperation was taking longer than planned, but that he would try to play a tournament during the clay court season.

Nadal also disclosed that he will be out of the game for the next few months as he recovers, which means he will almost certainly miss Wimbledon.

The French Open qualifying starts on Monday with the main draw getting down to business on Sunday.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport