Rafael Nadal, an 11-time Monte Carlo champion, will not compete at the season’s third Masters 1000 event next week! Rafa is not yet fully recovered from an injury and does not want to risk anything, staying away from one of his favorite tournaments for the second straight year.
It’s another blow for Nadal’s fans, who have been waiting to see him on the court since January! Rafa has not played since the Australian Open second round, injuring his left hip and missing Doha, Dubai, Indian Wells and Miami.
After a couple of weeks of basic hitting without moving much, Rafa has increased his pace during his training sessions. He works hard but still can not compete at the desired level, hoping to change that in a few weeks in Barcelona.
Nadal is 73-6 in Monte Carlo, debuting as a qualifier in 2003 at 16 and becoming the dominant figure two years later. Rafa won 11 titles between 2005 and 2018, writing history as the most dominant player at a single Masters 1000 event.
Nadal was in a great position to finish the previous season at the top after conquering the Australian Open and Roland Garros. The veteran led the ATP Race despite injuries and setbacks and set his eyes on the third consecutive Major crown at Wimbledon.
The Spaniard ousted Taylor Fritz following an incredible five-setter in the quarter-final, prevailing in over four hours despite apparent issues. Rafa revealed a seven-millimeter abdominal tear and withdrew ahead of the semi-final duel with Nick Kyrgios.
It remains Nadal’s last notable tournament nine months later!
Rafael Nadal will not compete at the next week’s Monte Carlo Masters.
The Spaniard scored three wins at the US Open before losing to Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round, feeling the pain and staying away from the court for two months.
Nadal could not find the rhythm in November after a long break, losing four consecutive matches for the first time since 2009! Rafa embraced an off-season, hoping for a fresh start in 2023, similar to the one he had a year ago.
Instead, the Spaniard has played only four matches this year, losing three and sealing his fate in the top-10 after Indian Wells! Not feeling at his best, Rafa gave everything while seeking the Australian Open title defense.
He overpowered the young Briton Jack Draper in the first round and faced Mackenzie McDonald in the second. The American scored a 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 triumph and delivered the Spaniard’s early loss at Majors since 2016. Rafa injured his left hip in the second set’s closing stages, refusing to retire and giving his 120% in the third.
However, he suffered a late break to propel the rival over the top and drop almost 2000 ATP points. After further checks, Nadal revealed a Grade 2 iliopsoas injury that forced him to miss four hard-court events in February and March.
Rafa will continue with his training sessions, making no rushed decisions and hoping to perform at his best once he returns. “I’m still not ready to compete at the highest level. Unfortunately, I can not compete with the maximum guarantees, so I must skip Monte Carlo, one of the most important tournaments of my career. I hope to return to competition soon,” Rafael Nadal said.
