Rafael Nadal has admitted that he is not ready to compete at the highest level after withdrawing from the 2024
Indian Wells Open (BNP Paribas Open) on Wednesday.
Nadal follows his compatriot, Paula Badosa out of the tournament who also announced her withdrawal hours prior. It continues the injury struggles for the 22-time Grand Slam champion who played the Netflix Slam, but looked to be struggling on his serve during practice. David Ferrer also supposedly said he'd suffered an injury in the run up. This after he also suffered a setback in trying to return to the Qatar Open.
In what is mooted to be his farewell year, Nadal is certainly not having his own way. He will now head into the clay court season likely at Monte-Carlo having played only a few matches all season. He lost to Jordan Thompson at the Brisbane International and suffered a micro tear in his thigh. Since then, he hasn't played and now concerns will mount for his clay court campaign.
"“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 and how much I love to play here. 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,” Nadal continued. “It is not an easy decision, it’s a tough one as a matter of fact but I can’t lie to myself and lie to the thousands of fans. “I will miss you all and I am sure the tournament will be a great success.”
