11-Time Champion Rafael Nadal’s Absence Leaves Monte-Carlo Masters With a Distressing Record

Rafael Nadal had an astounding start to the year clinching titles at Acapulco and Melbourne Summer Set 1. And his record-breaking win at the Australian Open followed this feat. However, he lost the Indian Wells final to the young American sensation- Taylor Fritz and suffered an injury in the process. Consequently, he had to take a break from the Miami Open and now Monte-Carlo Masters too.

Rib injury of Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal suffered a rib injury during the semi-finals with Alcaraz Carlos at the Indian Wells 2022. However, he did not back off and played the finals against Taylor Fritz, in which the former player reigned. The player had to take a break from further tours as he could not play. His doctor Cotorro made it clear that even if he’ll be able to train soon, he will only play once he gets completely recovered. In relation to this, the player withdrew from Miami Open and now won’t be participating in Rolex Monte Carlo Masters, too.

Monte-Carlo Masters without Rafa

It would be a historic Monte Carlo. As it would be the first top-level clay event without the “king of clay” Rafael Nadal since 2006. The Spaniard has won the title 11 times. This includes an Open-Era record eight successive times from 2005 to 2012. It’s been so long that the last one he missed at Hamburg hasn’t been Master in more than a decade. He and Federer missed it after going five hours in Rome at the Italian open 2006, the last ever 5 set Masters final.

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The player will be missing out on the Monte Carlo Masters along with other major players like Roger Federer, Daniil Medvedev, Matteo Berrettini, and Dominic Thiem. The player’s resting period is set to be over by the time of the Madrid Open. His fans hope him to be back by the time of other clay-court events, especially Roland Garros.

Last year Stefanos Tsitsipas won the tournament by defeating Andrey Rublev. Although we will see some major players missing out on the clay court, we would be able to see the likes of Novak Djokovic being able to be back on the court. Various authorities banned him from various games because of his vaccination status against COVID-19. Other players like Carlos Alcaraz who has won the Miami Open will also have eyes set upon him.

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