2024-03-07 03:35:12
The Spaniard Rafael Nadal, tennis legend with 22 Grand Slam titles, withdrew Wednesday from the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells (California, United States), casting a little more doubt on his possible return to the highest level .
Published on: 03/07/2024 – 04:35 Modified on: 03/07/2024 – 12:13
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In Indian Wells, an oasis in the heart of the Californian desert, the postcard setting of “Tennis Paradise” took a serious blow on Wednesday March 6 with the withdrawal of the highly anticipated Rafael Nadal. Yet another upset return for the Spanish legend which obscures the possibility of a timely return for what must be his last Roland-Garros and his last Olympics.
While the headliners of the yellow ball paraded at a press conference on Wednesday, Rafael Nadal was still waiting at the desk when a press release from the organization announcing his withdrawal came in a late afternoon obscured by clouds. .
“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this incredible tournament. Everyone knows how much I love this place, and how much I love playing at Indian Wells,” said the aged Spaniard 37 years old, cited in the press release, and three times winner of the competition (2007, 2009 and 2013).
I have been working hard and practicing and you all know I took a test this weekend but I don’t find myself ready to play at the highest level at such an important event.
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… pic.twitter.com/JslDFANMW8— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) March 7, 2024
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.
“Not ready”
Hope was high after his participation in an exhibition match on Saturday in Las Vegas, 4 hours away, against his young compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, defending champion at Indian Wells.
“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 me and lie to the thousands of supporters,” commented the Mallorcan, who was expected in the first round against Canadian Milos Raonic on Thursday.
At 37, Nadal’s loss further complicates his recovery operation. The Majorcan, 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 Olympic Games in Paris (July 26-August 11).
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal speaks during a press conference on January 5, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia © William West, AFP (Archives)
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.
Also read “How sad!” : Roland-Garros opens without its legend Rafael Nadal
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When will we see 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) .
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal during a match on January 5, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia © William West, AFP (Archives)
In Indian Wells, symbol of the weight of the Mallorcan, ticket holders for the Thursday evening session have the possibility of requesting a refund from the organization.
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