Rafael Nadal dropped a bomb by withdrawing from Indian Wells on Wednesday, simply earlier than his first-round match, citing that he’s not but “prepared to compete at the highest level.”
The 37-year-old Spanish tennis star, who has hinted at retirement after the 2024 season, returned to the courtroom in Brisbane in January after an almost year-long hiatus because of a hip flexor harm. Unfortunately, he was compelled to skip the Australian Open because of one other muscle tear.
Despite his efforts to return to kind, Nadal confronted a setback when he misplaced to Carlos Alcaraz in an exhibition occasion in Las Vegas final Sunday. Nevertheless, he appeared optimistic and able to pursue his fourth title within the California desert earlier than this latest setback.
“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament,” the 22-time Grand Slam champion mentioned in an announcement.
“Everyone is aware of how a lot I really like this place and the way a lot I like to play right here at Indian Wells.
“That’s additionally one of many explanation why I got here very early to the desert to observe and attempt to prepare.
“I’ve been working laborious and working towards, and also you all know I took a check this weekend, however I do not discover myself able to play on the highest degree at such an essential occasion.
“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.”
Tournament director Tommy Haas mentioned they have been disillusioned to lose Nadal, who will likely be changed by fortunate loser Sumit Nagal.
“He is one of the all-time fan favorites here, and we hope to see him back in Indian Wells again in the future,” added Haas.
Nadal’s consultant, Benito Perez-Barbadillo, mentioned there was no recent harm and that the Miami Open, one other hardcourt occasion that follows Indian Wells, was by no means on his schedule.
Nadal will now flip his consideration to his favourite floor clay with an eye fixed towards a record-extending fifteenth French Open title and a second Olympic gold medal on the Paris Games, the place tennis will likely be contested at Roland Garros.
Source: www.dailysabah.com