Rafael Nadal refuses Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships invitation

World no. 2 Rafael Nadal refused the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships wild card, saying he is still not ready to compete due to back issues.

The organizers wanted to see Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the draw, but the Spaniard spoiled their plans, as he needs more time to heel the injury and return at 100%. Rafa hasn't played since the Australian Open when he wasted two sets to love advantage against Stefanos Tsitsipas, suffering one of the toughest losses at Majors and deciding to skip Acapulco.

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The Spaniard competed in Dubai four times during his early years on the Tour, winning the title in 2006 after beating Roger Federer in the title match. Rafa lost in the quarters in the next two editions, with his 2008 quarter-final loss to Andy Roddick standing as his last Dubai match so far.

"I would like to thank the @DDFTennis for the wild card invitation sent to me. We seriously thought about coming to play, but I don't think I am ready to play yet. Once again, thanks to the tournament's kind invitation and best of luck with the tournament," Rafael Nadal said.