Rafael Nadal reveals he’s ‘not able to play on the highest stage’
- Rafael Nadal introduced the withdrawal on social media
- The Spaniard hasn’t performed since struggling an damage in January
- Nadal missed the entire of final 12 months with a long-term hip downside
Rafael Nadal says he has made the ‘powerful’ determination to withdraw from Indian Wells as he’s not but ‘able to play on the highest stage’.
The 22-time Grand Slam singles winner has been off the tour since struggling a muscle damage in Brisbane in January.
He was set to mark his return with a first-round match on the BNP Paribas Open towards Canada’s Milos Raonic on Friday.
However in a publish on social media, the 37-year-old Spaniard stated he’s not but able to compete.
‘It is with nice unhappiness that I’ve to withdraw from this superb event at Indian Wells,’ he stated.
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from Indian Wells as he’s nonetheless combating an damage
‘Everyone is aware of how a lot I really like this place and the way a lot I like to play right here. That’s additionally one of many the reason why I got here very early to the desert to apply 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 don’t discover myself able to play on the highest stage at such an essential occasion.
‘It will not be a simple determination, it’s a tricky one as a matter of truth however I can’t misinform myself and misinform the 1000’s of followers.
‘I’ll miss you all and I’m certain the event can be a fantastic success.’
Nadal has been changed within the draw by India’s world quantity 101 Sumit Nagal.
Nadal made his comeback on the Brisbane International in January after spending a 12 months on the sidelines attributable to a long-term hip downside.
The Spaniard sustained a muscle tear close to his hip in his quarter-final defeat to Jordan Thompson in Brisbane, however scans revealed it was not in the identical space.
