Rafael Nadal is out of the Rome Masters and some wonder if this will be the year when the Spaniard plays the week before the French Open.
Nadal was hoping to kick off his clay season in Monte Carlo but he suffered a major setback in his recovery as he has already missed Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid.
On Friday, Nadal announced he also would not make his return in Rome next week.
Since 2005 – when Nadal lifted his first French Open title – he has followed the same pattern of usually playing in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid and Rome leading up to Roland Garros.
But record 14-time French Open champion Nadal has also never been in this situation where he is forced to miss all of the clay tournaments he usually plays.
Could Nadal ask for a Geneva or Lyon wildcard?
The week before the French Open, two ATP 250 events in Geneva and Lyon are taking place.
Nadal is not on the entry list of either tournament but could the Spaniard decide to ask one of those two tournaments for a wildcard and get at least some preparation?
If Nadal indeed plans to compete at the French Open, testing himself a bit in Geneva or Lyon might be something he decides to do.
On Friday, Nadal revealed his recovery from a psoas injury has been progressing but he is not ready to play in Rome.
“Hello everyone! I am very sorry to announce that I will not be able to be in Rome. You all know how much it hurts me to miss another one of the tournaments that have marked my professional and personal career for all the love and support of the Italians. Despite having noticed an improvement in recent days, there have been many months without having been able to train at a high level and the readaptation process has its times and I have no choice but to accept them and continue working. A hug to all,” Nadal announced on Friday.