Jo-Wilfried Tsonga claims Rafael Nadal has been a ‘shadow of his former self’ in recent months as he continues to battle injury problems.
Tsonga believes the Spaniard is seeking ‘validation’ so that he can retire from professional tennis on his own accord.
Nadal withdrew from Indian Wells last Wednesday on the eve of his first-round match, insisting he was not ready to participate.
The 37-year-old hasn’t played since the Brisbane International in January, which was his first tournament since the 2023 Australian Open.
Rafael Nadal is a ‘shadow of his former self’ according to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
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He missed almost the entirety of 2023 after undergoing hip surgery and suffered a fresh injury in that area earlier this year.
Nadal pulled out of the first Grand Slam of 2024 in Melbourne but hoped to return at Indian Wells.
Tsonga, who called a day on his career in 2022, says there is an ‘unknown’ as to how Nadal will fair in the clay court season.
He told L’Equipe: “The real unknown is what Rafa is capable of doing on clay.
“Today, on a hard court, we know that he doesn’t move as well, that he’ll never perform as well as he did before.
“On clay today, there’s a real unknown. He had such a margin over the others. Will he be able to hold his own in a tough match today? That’s the real unknown.”
Tsonga says Nadal has nothing to prove but wants to make peace with himself before ending his career.
The Frenchman added: “He’s got nothing left to prove. That’s over. He just wants to reassure himself, to say ‘Okay, that’s it, I can go’.
“He’s looking for validation so that he can leave. In truth, he’s been a shadow of his former self for quite a few months now.
“I think he just wants to prove it to himself, to say to himself now, ‘I’m safe to leave, I’m at peace’.”
Nadal revealed his sadness at pulling out of Indian Wells but says he would have been lying to fans if he attempted to play.
He wrote on X: “It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament at Indian Wells.
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Rafael Nadal hasn’t played since the Brisbane International in January
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“Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I love to play here.
“That’s also one of the reasons why I came very early to the desert to practice and try to get ready.
“I have been working hard and practicing and you all know I took a test this weekend but I don’t find myself ready to play at the highest level at such an important event.
Rafael Nadal has previously hinted 2024 could be his final year as a professional
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“It is not an easy decision, it’s a tough one as a matter of fact but I can’t lie to myself and lie to the thousands of fans.
“I will miss you all and I am sure the tournament will be a great success.”
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