Rafael Nadal, the three-time champion, has announced his withdrawal from the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and the Miami Open presented by Itau due to an injury he suffered in January. The Spaniard has not competed since his Australian Open title defense ended in a second-round defeat.
Injury Forcing Withdrawal
On Tuesday, the lefty confirmed on social media that he has been undergoing rehab, gym, and physiotherapy as instructed by the doctors. “It’s been a while since I don’t communicate with you. I am sad that I won’t be able to compete at Indian Wells nor Miami. Very sad not to be there. I’ll miss all my US fans but I hope to see them later this year during the summer swing,” Nadal tweeted.
The 36-year-old underwent medical tests after losing in the second round of the Australian Open to American Mackenzie McDonald. Nadal reported the results to his fans, which showed a grade 2 injury in the iliopsoas muscle in his left leg, requiring sports rest and anti-inflammatory physiotherapy.
The Spaniard was a runner-up last year in Indian Wells, where he reached the final, the first ATP Masters 1000 event of the season. Nadal last year played in Miami but was knocked out in the quarterfinals.
Nadal’s Comeback Plan
Nadal has been working hard to come back to the court in the best condition, and he hopes to compete later this year during the summer swing. The Spanish legend has always been a favorite among tennis fans all over the world.
BNP Paribas Open Tournament Director Tommy Haas wished the lefty well and said, “We wish Rafa continued healing, and hope to see him back at the BNP Paribas Open next year.”
Haas is just one of many who is hoping for Nadal’s speedy return to the court. Nadal is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, having won 20 Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal in 2008.
Nadal’s Fans Disappointed
Nadal’s absence from the tournament has disappointed his fans. Indian Wells has always been one of his favorite tournaments, and his participation was eagerly awaited. Fans from all over the world were expected to travel to California to see their favorite player in action.
The tournament has also been affected by the absence of other star players like Roger Federer and Serena Williams. This year’s event will still feature some of the biggest names in tennis, including Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, and Naomi Osaka.
Nadal’s withdrawal from the BNP Paribas Open and the Miami Open presented by Itau is a significant setback for the tennis star. However, his fans hope that he will recover soon and return to the court in top form. With Nadal absent, this year’s tournament will be missing one of the biggest names in tennis. However, it still promises to be a thrilling event, with some of the best players in the world set to compete. Tennis fans around the world will be eagerly following the tournament, hoping for some great matches and surprises.
