Tennis player Rafael Nadal announced on Wednesday night (6) that he will not compete in the Indian Wells tournament. The Spaniard, who had returned to playing last week to participate in a friendly game against Carlos Alcaraz, stated that he is not yet ready to return to competitive tennis.
“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this incredible tournament in Indian Wells. Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I love playing here. This is also one of the reasons why I arrived in the desert very early to practice and try to prepare,” said Nadal.
The former number 1 in the world would play this Thursday (7) against Canadian Milos Raonic, number 224 in the ranking.
“I’ve been working hard and training, and you know I had a test this weekend. But I’m not prepared to play at the highest level in such an important event. It’s not an easy decision, but I can’t lie to myself or thousands of fans. I will miss you and I am sure the tournament will be a great success”, added the Spaniard.
Rafael Nadal missed this year’s Australian Open due to a hip injury. With 22 titles, he is the second most Grand Slam tournament champion, with two fewer trophies than Serbian Novak Djokovic.
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