By Chances are slim for former world number one Rafael Nadal to be seeded at next month’s French Open, the grand slam event’s director Amelie Mauresmo said on Thursday.
On Wednesday, the ‘King of Clay’ had said that he could not guarantee if he would be able to feature at the French Open, which he has clinched a record 14 times, this year.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion has dropped to 512 in the rankings since he has been out of action for a long time due to a hip flexor injury.
He was included in the main draw for the French Open courtesy of his protected ranking but that ranking is not connected to seeding of the top 32 players.
With no seeding, Nadal might face the higher-ranked players in the initial rounds of the tournament.
Asked about Nadal being seeded at the French Open 2024, Mauresmo told reporters: “Right now it’s not a topic…
“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.
“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.”
Nadal will take the court against 16-year-old American Darwin Blanch in the Madrid Open later on Thursday.
