Rafael Nadal will not play in the second week of the 2024 Italian Open because he lost in straight sets to Hubert Hurkacz on Saturday.
Nadal was forthright in his assessment of the result and performance and what the future holds for his season. The Spanish legend appeared to have turned a corner in the days leading up to his participation in the Italian Open.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion improved significantly in the Madrid Open a fortnight ago, scoring a high-quality win over World No. 11 Alex de Minaur on his way to the fourth round of the tournament.
But despite his notable success in his serve, movement, and variation in Spain, his form in Rome has brought a degree of insecurity to his game. Nadal referred to it as a "bad feeling" after losing 1-6, 3-6 in the second round, which was his earliest defeat at the Italian Open in 16 years.
"Tough day for me in all ways because I felt more ready than what I showed. That's give me a bad feeling because feeling myself better not being able to show myself on court."
"Something else is something that in some way create me doubts. That's it, no? Just accept the situation. As I said before the tournament start, I am little bit more unpredictable today, not playing enough for the last two years. Too many doubts. Too many questions in all ways, in different matters on the game."
The next couple of weeks are going to be extremely interesting. Nadal did not disclose his decision on whether to play at Roland Garros when he spoke to reporters at the end of the match.
He also entertained the idea of playing in Rome next year despite seemingly receiving a farewell treatment when thousands of tennis fans gathered to applaud him as he exited the Foro Italico.