Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal, who is in the twilight years of his career and focused on the 2024 Paris Olympics, will miss Wimbledon in early July. Announced Thursday morning.
The 38-year-old Nadal trains on clay courts and says not changing courts ahead of the Olympics is better for his body.
The third tennis Grand Slam of the year at the All England Club will be played on grass.
“This year I am sad to miss the amazing atmosphere of such a memorable and wonderful event and to be with all the British fans who have always given me so much support,” Nadal wrote on X. “I will miss you all.”
Nadal said he would play in the tournament in Bastado, Sweden, in preparation for the Olympics, which begin on July 26.
After missing the Australian Open, Nadal won 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles at the French Open, where he lost in the first round to eventual finalist Alexander Zverev.
His career has been hampered by injuries over the past two years, causing him to miss the French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open last year.
He underwent hip surgery last June and returned to tennis at the Brisbane International in January but suffered a microtear in a muscle near his hip, forcing him to withdraw from the Australian Open.
Nadal’s last Grand Slam title was at the French Open in 2022, which he won after winning the Australian Open that same year.
