Federer hopes Nadal will be fit for French Open
The Spaniard has not played since losing in the Australian Open second round
Tennis icon Roger Federer gave his thoughts on Rafael Nadal's impending absence from the Rome Masters, which fuelled fears that the 14-time French Open champion could be ruled out of Roland-Garros.
The Spaniard has endured a 2023 to forget so far after missing the Sunshine Double at Indian Wells and Miami, along with clay events in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid with a hip flexor injury.
Nadal’s rehabilitation from a hip flexor injury has taken longer than expected and heightened fears that he may miss out on the second Grand Slam of the year.
Speaking at the Miami Grand Prix to Sky Sports, Federer said: “It will be brutal yes. It'll be tough for tennis if Rafa is not going to be there.
“I still hope so [that he makes it], I saw he pulled out of Rome so I wish him the best. Also, Novak [Djokovic] hasn't played that much, so I hope he's going to be strong as well.
“There are obviously all the young guys coming through as well. I'll be watching.”
It has been a hugely frustrating start to the year for Nadal, who has already been forced to miss the clay events in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid.
The Spaniard has not played since losing in the Australian Open second round, and was subsequently ruled out of the the Sunshine Double of Indian Wells and Miami.
Nadal announced the news of his most recent withdrawal on social media: "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 Italian tifosi.”
There had been hope that the 22-time Grand Slam champion had turned a corner in his recovery after footage emerged of Nadal practising freely at his academy.
