Rafael Nadal isn’t ready to return to action as he has withdrawn from the Indian Wells Masters. Nadal, 36, last competed at the Australian Open, where he battled through a hip injury during a straight-set second-round defeat against Mackenzie McDonald.
After his Australian Open exit, Nadal underwent tests on his hip, which determined that he would be out for at least six to eight weeks. Unfortunately, Nadal hasn’t managed to recover in time for the start of the Sunshine Double in Indian Wells.
As a result, Nadal won’t be making his 16th appearance in Indian Wells this year.
Indian Wells update:
OUT: Nadal
IN: Thompson
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In Indian Wells, Nadal is a three-time champion.
Last year, Nadal made his first Indian Wells final since 2013. Unfortunately for Nadal, the final didn’t go well as he suffered a loss against Taylor Fritz and after the match learned that he sustained a rib fracture.
Nadal expectedly withdraws from Indian Wells
On March 5th, Nadal was scheduled to play an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas.
10 days ago, Nadal announced that he would not be able to play against Alcaraz in Las Vegas. “I am very sad for not being able to come to Vegas and play in this amazing event with Carlos at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Unfortunately, the timing of my recovery doesn’t make it possible to be there ready to play. I am sure that we will find another date to celebrate this event and have fun. I would like to thank the fans and event organizers who have been in contact with me all the time, showed a lot of support and have been extremely understanding,” Nadal said in his statement 10 days ago.
After Nadal pulled out of the Las Vegas exhibition, pretty much everyone knew that he would also skip Indian Wells, which is kicking off on March 8th. It remains to be seen when will Nadal be able to return to action.
