Rafael Nadal withdrawal from French Open 2023 has 'massive impact' for Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz - Alex Corretja

Rafael Nadal will not be able to compete at the 2023 French Open as his injury struggles continue, and Alex Corretja has given his reaction to Eurosport with a view to how it will affect leading contenders such as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. Nadal, who had been hoping to clinch a record-extending 15th crown at Roland-Garros and pull away from his great rival Djokovic with a 23rd Grand Slam singles title in the process, will now be confined to watching the event on TV. Ad Instead, it will be Djokovic aiming for that number of majors in the ongoing GOAT tally as the Serb targets a hat-trick of titles in Paris.

Equally, Nadal's compatriot Alcaraz has a wonderful opportunity to open his account on Philippe-Chatrier in his countryman's absence. Roland-Garros'Paris will cry for the loss of its king' — Fans in Italy react to Nadal news13 HOURS AGO «It has a massive impact,» Corretja told Eurosport's Arnold Montgault as he reacted to the news and considered the consequences for the likes of Alcaraz and Djokovic. «Whatever tournament you enter, if Nadal is not there then there is a hole in the draw where you are missing someone.

But if it's Roland-Garros, it's not a hole, it's a whole world missing there! »It is going to start making other players believe that they can win Roland-Garros – more than two hours ago [before Nadal's announcement]. That is, for sure, something that the players feel. «It does not necessarily need to be more pressure for the guys that feel they can win Roland-Garros.