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 court docket in Brisbane in January after an almost year-long hiatus as a result of a hip flexor harm. Unfortunately, he was compelled to skip the Australian Open as a result 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 current 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 the reason why I got here very early to the desert to follow and attempt to prepare.
“I’ve been working onerous and practising, 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 vital 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 dissatisfied to lose Nadal, who shall 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 contemporary 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 shall be contested at Roland Garros.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
