Rafael Nadal, 14-Time French Open Champion, Likely To Enter Roland Garros 2024 Unseeded

Rafael Nadal: Even though the Spaniard has a protected ranking in the tournament, that has got nothing to do with the competition's seeding.

Rafael Nadal At French Open: The Spaniard has slipped to 512 in the rankings. ( Image Source :Getty )

Rafael Nadal, the 14-time French Open champion, is likely to enter Roland Garros 2024 unseeded, as it seems from a recent media statement from the tournament's director. Despite being one of the legends of the sport and having clinched the title a record 14 times, Nadal has slipped to as low a ranking as 512 after being forced to remain out of tennis action due to injury for a long time.

Amelie Mauresmo, French Open director's comment comes after Nadal said that he was unsure of playing this year's clay court competition. Even though Nadal has a protected ranking in the tournament, that has got nothing to do with the competition's seeding.

"Right now it’s not a topic..," Mauresmo told reporters as quoted by a report carried by Reuters.

"Wimbledon did it for a very, very, very long time, and it certainly brought some advantages but we also saw all the disadvantages it could bring. For the moment, it’s not on the table," she stated.

READ HERE | Rafael Nadal Bows Out Of Barcelona Open After Straight-Set Defeat To Alex De Minaur

"We’re keeping our fingers crossed for him above all, for us too obviously. We’re keeping a close eye on what’s happening for him on court. We’re in touch with his team. Whether there’s a tribute depends very much on him. We’ll follow his wishes," she said.

What Does It Mean For Nadal If He Remains Unseeded?

In case Nadal does not get a seed at French Open, which seems likely to be the case, he will be up against some of the higher ranked players based on current form earlier in the draw. That would mean it won't be easy for him to progess through to the business end of the competition, especially considering that he hasn't played competitive tennis a lot in recent times. He did make a return at the Brisbane International earlier in the year but was forced out of the Australian Open. 

The Spaniard was also seen in the Barcelona Open but made an early exit after losing to Alex de Minaur. He is currently featuring in the Madrid open and registered a straight-set win against Darwin Blanch in the opening round. He will face De Minaur next on Saturday (April 27).