World number one
Novak Djokovic has
received a major boost after the withdrawal of the Spain’s legendary tennis
star
Rafael Nadal from the
Indian Wells.
The mega-event has already begun
in California where players from all over the world are battling it out to
secure the ultimate prize.
On Thursday, Nadal, who recently came
back from a lengthy injury layoff, announced in a detailed post on social media
platform X — previously known as Twitter — that he will not take part in the
competition.
"It is with great sadness
that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament at Indian Wells," Nadal
wrote. "Everyone knows how much I love this place… 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 development became a big
boost for Djokovic as he is now the only player in the competition who can take
a shot at overtaking the former world number one Roger Federer’s record at Indian Wells.
As things stand, both
Nadal and Djokovic have won the title five times, equal to what Federer
achieved in his career. Since the former is not taking part in the competition,
Djokovic now has the chance to become the first player to lift the Indian Wells
title six times.
