As the world awaits Rafael Nadal’s possible last dance at Roland Garros, there is one thing we will miss this year. A well-deserved farewell to the King of Clay. But, obeying Nadal’s wish of not wanting a farewell, the tournament director has announced that they will not force him to change his decision. Backtracking on the “big, big chance” that 2024 might not be his last year after all?

The director of the tournament, Amélie Mauresmo, has broken the silence on the matter. “As you can imagine, we had something planned for him. But he wants to leave the door open so we’re not going to push him to do anything. It’s his decision when he wants to have a proper ceremony or proper goodbye and proper farewell. So we’re not going to do it this year,” Mauresmo has told the media.

During the start of the season, owing to his persistent hip injuries, Rafael Nadal hinted at his potential retirement after this season. Naturally, his ongoing ATP tour is filled with emotional farewells. At first, it was in Barcelona where the tour organizers hung banners in the air representing the 12-time Barcelona Champion’s achievements while the fans chanted “Rafa Rafa Rafa.” 

Then it was time for Rome, where hundreds of people gathered outside the grounds to pay their tribute to Nadal. And the Spaniard, overwhelmed at this, is also enjoying and showing his gratitude in return. But when the French Open’s turn came, where he has earned most of his titles in his career (97.4% win rate), Nadal had a slightly different wish. 

Although he admitted that, “It’s a big, big chance that it’s going to be my last Roland Garros,” he wished for a postponement of his farewell. Why? Because he likely plans to come back next year. “If I have to tell you it’s 100% my last Roland Garros? Sorry, but I will not. Because I cannot predict what’s going on.”

Even though it might not involve him playing on-court, he confessed that he would be okay to have a ceremony then. As a result, the tour organizers had to cancel their plans. “That’s his wish, even though we’re ready to push the button and something happens, we are obviously going to respect what he wants and make sure we are ready whenever he feels he wants to do it: later this year, next year, anytime he wants,” Mauresmo said further.

Nadal also further revealed why he does not want to “close” the door 100% when it comes to performing in the French Open.

Rafael Nadal states three reasons behind his uncertainties regarding playing at RG for the last time

Rafael Nadal is back at the French Open after almost two years. The last time he played back in 2022, he had a well-deserved victory against Casper Ruud. But after staying away from tennis for almost a year, he has been struggling to get back in form lately. Although his retirement might be near, saying goodbye to the French Open is not on his wishlist as of yet. And he recently admitted why that is the case.

“First thing, I am enjoying playing tennis. Second thing, I am traveling with the family. They are enjoying. I am enjoying sharing all this process with them. And third thing, I was not able to explore yet the proper way how I will be able to play being in again more or less healthy conditions, playing without limitation,” the 37-year-old player stated in an interview.

Whether this will be his last match or not, there is one thing that the fans can agree on. His upcoming play in the French Open, a place where he has previously won 14 times, is indeed going to be a special one. And not having a farewell ceremony this year does not make it less special in any way.