Fans set for refunds as tournament director Tommy Haas left 'disappointed' by Rafael Nadal Indian Wells withdrawal

The director of Indian Wells, Tommy Haas, expressed regret over Rafael Nadal's withdrawal, and the organizers announced refunds for fans. The Spanish tennis player had been in California for weeks preparing for the tournament but decided to withdraw just a day before his debut.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion participated last Sunday in the Netflix Slam exhibition against Carlos Alcaraz. According to Nadal, this was the ultimate test to determine his physical condition:

“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament. Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I love to play here at Indian Wells,” Rafa Nadal said in a statement.

“That’s also one of the reasons why I came very early to the desert to practice and try to get ready. I have been working hard and practicing and you all know I took a test this weekend but I don’t find myself ready to play at the highest level at such an important event.

The tournament announced that those who purchased individual tickets for the Thursday, March 7th night session on Court 1, where Nadal was scheduled to make his debut against Milos Raonic, will be eligible for a refund.

The Indian Wells website shared a statement in which the tournament director, former world No. 2 Tommy Haas, expressed regret that Nadal, a crowd favorite, would not be able to participate in the tournament, especially considering his withdrawal came almost at the last moment.

“We are disappointed that Rafa is unable to play in the BNP Paribas Open, but we wish him continued healing and hope he can be back in action again soon. He is one of the all-time fan favourites here, and we hope to see him back in Indian Wells again in the future,” Haas stated.