Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells. This renunciation casts a little more doubt on his possible return to the highest level.
‘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,’ said the 37-year-old Spaniard in a press release, and three-time winner of the Californian tournament (2007, 2009 and 2013). ).
Rafael Nadal had ticked off Indian Wells on the path to his hoped-for return to the high level, after an almost blank year in 2023 and a muscle injury suffered in early January. Hope was high after his participation in an exhibition match on Saturday in Las Vegas, against Carlos Alcaraz.
‘I worked hard, I took a test this weekend as you know, 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,’ said the Mallorcan, who was expected in the first round against Canadian Milos Raonic on Thursday.
This package from Nadal further complicates his recovery operation. He 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.
When will we see Rafael Nadal on court again? Not scheduled for Miami in two weeks, he has a month ahead of him to possibly prepare for the Masters 1000 in Monte-Carlo (April 7-14), the first of the year on clay, before Madrid (April 24-May 5) .
/ATS