The Spaniard Rafael Nadal must withdraw from the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells, California, considering himself “not ready to play”, the organization announced on Wednesday.
Nadal, 37, tennis legend with 22 Grand Slam titles, hoped to launch his return to the highest level in Indian Wells, after an almost blank year in 2023 and a muscle injury suffered in early January in Australia.
“It is with great sadness that I must withdraw from this incredible tournament. Everyone knows how much I love this place, and how much I love playing at Indian Wells,” Nadal explained, quoted in a press release from the organizer.
“I worked hard, I took a test this weekend as you know [lors d’un match d’exhibition face à Carlos Alcaraz], but I don’t find myself ready to play at the highest level at such an event. It’s not an easy decision but I can’t lie to myself and to the thousands of supporters. I will miss you, I am sure the tournament will be a huge success. »
The Mallorcan was due to play his first match on Thursday against the Canadian Milos Raonic. He is replaced in the table by the Indian Sumit Nagal.
Nadal, who had suggested that the 2024 season could be his last, dreams of being competitive for the clay court season and especially at Roland-Garros for his favorite fortnight (May 20-June 9) then for the Paris Olympic Games (July 26-August 11).
He missed almost the entire 2023 season and underwent two operations to repair a hip, before announcing his return in December. After playing three matches in Brisbane in January, he had to withdraw from the Australian Open immediately after suffering a muscle injury.
Last Sunday, he played an exhibition in Las Vegas against his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, no 2 in the world and defending champion in Indian Wells.