Due to an injury, Rafa Nadal announced on Tuesday that he had decided to withdraw from two upcoming Masters 1000 hardcourt events in Miami and Indian Wells.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion hasn’t played since his loss in the second round of the Australian Open.
Where he aggravated a hip issue and said he had started rehab and physiotherapy as prescribed by doctors.
I regret not being able to participate in Indian Wells or Miami. A message that was posted on Nadal’s Twitter account read, “Very sad not to be there.” I will miss all of my American fans, but I hope to see them this summer.”
Nadal lost to Taylor Fritz in the Indian Wells final last year in straight sets. He didn’t play in the Miami Open because he wanted to focus on getting ready for clay courts.
The Spaniard, who is 36 years old, has won Indian Wells three times, in 2007, 2009, and 2013. Nadal has been to the Miami final five times. But he has never won it, and he hasn’t played there since 2017.
According to a statement released by the director of the Indian Wells tournament. Tommy Haas, “We wish Rafa continued healing, and hope to see him back at the BNP Paribas Open next year.”
Nadal, the top seed at the Australian Open. Was running for a backhand in the second set at Rod Laver Arena when he injured his left hip.
After getting checked by a trainer, he left the court for a medical timeout when the score was 6-4, 5-3.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion returned grim-faced to continue the match, but his movement was clearly affected.
Allowing the American Mackenzie McDonald to defeat the Spaniard at Melbourne Park and end his attempt at a third title.