Rafael Nadal admits he ‘can’t lie to himself’ and reveals he is ‘not ready to play at the highest level’ after pulling out of Indian Wells… with Spaniard still struggling to recover from injury
- Rafael Nadal announced the withdrawal on social media
- The Spaniard has not played since suffering an injury in January
- Nadal missed all of last year with a long-term hip problem
Rafael Nadal says he has made the ‘difficult’ decision to withdraw from Indian Wells because he is not yet ‘ready to play at the highest level’.
The 22-time Grand Slam singles winner has been removed from the tour since suffering a muscle injury in Brisbane in January.
He was scheduled to mark his return on Friday with a first-round match at the BNP Paribas Open against Canada’s Milos Raonic.
However, in a post on social media, the 37-year-old Spaniard said he is not yet ready to compete.
“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this great tournament in Indian Wells,” he said.
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from Indian Wells as he continues to struggle with an injury
“Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I love playing here. That’s also one of the reasons why I came to the desert very early to practice and prepare.
“I’ve been working hard and practicing hard and you all know I took a test this weekend, but I’m not ready to play in such an important event at the highest level.
“It’s not an easy decision, it’s even a difficult decision, but I can’t lie to myself and to the thousands of fans.
‘I will miss you all and I am sure the tournament will be a great success.’
Nadal has been replaced in the draw by Sumit Nagal, the number 101 in the world.
Nadal made his comeback at the Brisbane International in January after a year on the sidelines due to a long-term hip problem.
The Spaniard suffered a muscle tear near his hip during his quarter-final defeat to Jordan Thompson in Brisbane, but scans showed it was not in the same area.