Rafael Nadal tipped to bounce back and challenge for French Open title in 2024 - Casper Ruud exclusive

Casper Ruud has told Eurosport he is confident Rafael Nadal will return to push for a 15th French Open title at Roland-Garros in 2024. Nadal announced last week that he would not be able to defend his Roland-Garros crown after failing to shake off the effects of the injury he suffered at the Australian Open earlier in the year. Ad The Spaniard said his intention was to return to competitive tennis, but that 2024 was likely to be his final year on tour.

Roland-GarrosDjokovic ‘the most disappointed player’ with Nadal's Roland-Garros absence — WilanderA DAY AGO Ruud admits it will be strange not having Nadal to compete against, but feels the 36-year-old has the resolve to seek out another French Open crown. «It's a decision that is best for Rafa and the team, as I'm sure they tried all that they could to be ready for Roland-Garros but couldn't do it this year,» Ruud said on Eurosport's Ruud Talk. «But I think we will see Rafa again at Roland-Garros.

I know him well enough to know that he never gives up — and as he said himself, I think he wants and I think he hopes for a better finish to his career. »I mean, it’s inevitable that the end is near. But I believe that we will see Rafa at least one more time in Roland-Garros feeling ready and fit to top the goal to win the tournament.

He never gives up. “So I just think he needs a little time off now. And I know that he's been trying to push sort of the clock and the time to be ready for Roland-Garros.