Roland Garros 2023: Rafael Nadal officially out, plans retirement in 2024

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal is officially out of this year's Roland Garros, citing that injury is not healing as expected and he may be retiring in 2024.

Nadal made this known in a press conference held at his Rafa Nadal Academy.

"My injury did not progress as it should have. It will be impossible for me to play at the Roland Garros. I really believe it's the right thing to do for my body and for my personal happiness," said Nadal.

He went on to say the decision is what his body made and will be taking more time off to heal but hopes to play at the Davis Cup.

"This is not my decision, the decision my body made." Nadal will take more time off to heal and will miss other tournaments such as the Wimbledon and the US Open.

The 22 Grand Slam winner also declared his retirement plans, saying Paris 2024 may be the end of a glorious career

"My ambition is to try to stop and give myself an opportunity to enjoy next year, that will probably be my last year on professional tour.

"My motivation is to try and enjoy and say goodbye to all the tournaments that have been important to me," he said.

Nadal has been out of tennis action since being defeated in the second round of the 2023 Australian Open and was scheduled to return six to eight weeks after, but it hasn't been the case.

It is the first time he won't be at Roland Garros since 2004 and he has a record of fourteen Roland Garros titles in his name.