Rafael Nadal ruled out of French Open 2023: Mats Wilander urges stars to step up - 'This is your chance'

Eurosport expert Mats Wilander has given his reaction to the big news that Rafael Nadal will not be participating in the 2023 French Open after he made his announcement ahead of the second Grand Slam of the season. Wilander, who won the French Open on three occasions in his illustrious career, shared his thoughts on the 'King of Clay' being unable to take part in Paris this year as he continues to battle injuries and search for full fitness.

Ad Nadal, who has a record 14 Roland-Garros crowns and 22 Grand Slam singles titles to his name, is hoping to make an eagerly anticipated appearance in Paris next year after not managing to be ready in time for this upcoming edition of the clay-court event. Roland-GarrosNadal withdrawal has 'massive impact' for Djokovic and Alcaraz — Corretja5 HOURS AGO For Wilander, the tournament is not going to be the same without the 36-year-old, but it now represents a huge opportunity for one of the rising stars in the men's game to seize the opportunity to claim the title in his absence.

«The French Open is just not the same now that Rafael Nadal has decided not to play,» Wilander told Eurosport in reaction to the big news. «The winner is always going to be questioned about if they could have won it if Nadal was in the tournament.

»The positive part of the announcement that Rafa made is that, of course, he is still thinking about playing at least another season. Nadal withdrawal has 'massive impact' for Djokovic and Alcaraz — Corretja 'Paris will cry for the loss of its king' — Fans in Italy react to Nadal news Exclusive: Corretja 'feels empty' after Nadal withdraws from French Open «We wish for him to play forever, and to play at Roland-Garros forever; but at the same time, I don't want to