It's been quite a day in tennis as Rafael Nadal held a press conference to announce that he will be missing Roland Garros while he takes an extended break from the sport in an attempt to recover from the injury he sustained at the Australian Open. He also said that he plans to retire after the 2024 season. In this show we react to that news, discuss the reasons behind his decisions, ponder what his farewell tour may be like, and offer some reflections on one of the greatest players this sport has ever seen.

We also go through the main talking points from the last few days in Rome - Carlos Alcaraz's shock defeat to Fabian Marozsan, aggro unexpectedly involving Cameron Norrie, Holger Rune's brilliance to beat Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek's injury, and a thrilling run of form from Jelena Ostapenko. What does it all mean for Roland Garros?

Finally, David speaks to Christopher Clarey, who, after 30 years, is leaving The New York Times to become a full-time author.

ON LOCATION:

This edition of The Tennis Podcast is brought to you in association with On Location, the premium hospitality and experience provider. On Location took us to Indian Wells last month so we can vouch for the brilliant experiences they provide at tennis tournaments. They provide packages via Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours to all of the four Grand Slam tournaments, including the US Open, which is on sale now, with fantastic seats, hospitality and hotel packages available for the year’s final major event at Flushing Meadows in New York. Go to OnLocationEXP.com/TTP to see what they have to offer.

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Rafael Nadal reflections as the end near...