Federer: Nadal's Absence from the French Open Would Be "Harsh" on Tennis

Roger Federer stated on Sunday at the Miami Formula 1 race that he "hopes Rafael Nadal recovers in time for the French Open." The retired Swiss player affirmed that it would be "harsh" for tennis if the 14-time Roland Garros champion misses this year's edition. He added, "I still hope he makes it. I followed his withdrawal from Rome, so I wish him all the best." He continued, "Certainly, Novak Djokovic has not played much, so I hope he is strong as well, along with the rising young players." Nadal is trying to recover from a thigh injury he sustained at the Australian Open in January, but concerns about his absence from the French Open have increased after he withdrew from the Italy tournament. Nadal also missed the Madrid Open and was unable to participate in the tournaments in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, and Barcelona.