"60-70% sure no Nadal at RG" - Tennis fans react after Nadal clutches knee in latest practice video ahead of French Open

Tennis fans were left dismayed after a new video of Rafael Nadal emerged from training. The Spaniard could be seen holding both his knees before walking away from his routine, raising doubts over his participation at the French Open.

The video was shared by a fan on Twitter, which has led to speculations that the 22-time Grand Slam winner may miss the Major he has dominated for decades with a record 14 titles.

Nadal last played on tour at the Australian Open in January, where he suffered a hip injury to the ileopsoas muscle in his left leg. The Spaniard has only played four matches the entire season, with a 1-3 record.

He beat Jack Draper in the first round at the Australian Open before losing to Mackenzie McDonald in the second. Before the Australian Open, he lost to Cameron Norrie and Alex de Minaur at the United Cup 2023.

Fans were quick to speculate that the former World No. 1 could miss the French Open, which starts on May 22.

"60-70% sure no Nadal at RG 😞," wrote a user on Twitter while sharing a practice video of the Spaniard.

Another fan said:

"I honestly don't feel the point of pretending to be in pain even at the end of a practice. But maybe some genius who understands everything that "stupid Dullfans who play the victim card" can't understand can explain it to me 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️😔😔😔," he tweeted.

Another fan opined that it has never been more evident that the chances of the 36-year-old playing the French Open are "over."

"It's so over, it's never been more over than this," they wrote.

Here are some of the other reactions:

Carlos Alcaraz tipped to win French Open in Nadal's absence

Carlos Alcaraz is favorite to win the French Open.

While the French Open has always been Rafael Nadal's favorite hunting ground, former British-Canadian player Greg Rusedski recently opined that Carlos Alcaraz could lift the French Open title if Nadal doesn't play.

It has always been one of the Big 3 - Nadal, Federer or Djokovic - who have been considered the favorites at the claycourt Major. But given the ongoing fitness issues with both Djokovic and Nadal, Rusedski believes the current World No. 2 Alcaraz would be the favorite.

Alcaraz has been in good form and he recently won the Madrid Open, beating Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the final.

"Going in to this year's Roland Garros, Nadal hasn't played anything whatsoever leading up, who's always the favorite to win the title. Djokovic is hurt. This has got to be his best chance to win it because if any of those guys are healthier, any one of those three guys could win it. But right now, because of his form, he's got to be the favorite," Rusedski said after the Madrid Open final.

The French Open commences on May 22 with the qualifying rounds, while the first round starts on May 28.