French Open left with a ‘massive hole’ as Martina Navratilova snubs Novak Djokovic

Martina Navratilova seemingly doesn’t think even Novak Djokovic can fill the “massive hole” left at Roland Garros by Rafael Nadal missing the tournament through injury. Nadal has become synonymous with the French Open in his career, winning it an unprecedented 14 times.

It was hoped the 36-year-old was going to be back from an injury he sustained at the Australian Oen earlier this year to defend his title from 2022. But Nadal announced in the build-up to the French Open that he would be unable to compete in the major.

It’s the first time Nadal has ever had to skip Roland Garros in his career and he also confirmed that next year may be his last on tour. His withdrawal from this year’s French Open now opens up the men’s draw with Carlos Alcaraz and Djokovic seen as the strong favourites.

However, Navratilova doesn’t think either player will be able to make up for the fact Nadal won’t be playing at his favoured slam. When asked what Roland Garros was going to be like without Nadal, she said on Tennis Channel: “A massive hole.

“When somebody has dominated a tournament as much as Rafa has dominated this. For almost two decades, it has been Rafael Nadal against the field.

“Now everybody thinks they have a chance to win because Rafa’s not there. Even though he hasn’t been playing, it’s a massive, massive hole that nobody can fill.”