Rafael Nadal withdrew from the BNP Paribas Open on the eve of his first-round encounter in Indian Wells, saying in a social media statement that he does not feel “ready to play at the highest level at such an important event.”
“Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I love to play here,” Nadal posted on X on Wednesday night. “That’s also one of the reasons why I came very early to the desert to practice and try to get ready.”
The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who has only played 12 official matches since the 2022 US Open, was coming off an exhibition loss to fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in The Netflix Slam on Sunday.
He missed virtually all of last season due to a hip ailment that necessitated surgery, then returned for three games in early January before injuring a muscle near his hip. That prompted him to miss the Australian Open, and he has not appeared on tour since. Also read: Hopman Cup cancelled for 2024, to return in 2025
“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’s post 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.”
“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,” tournament director Tommy Haas said in a statement. “He is one of the all-time fan favorites here, and we hope to see him back in Indian Wells again in the future.” Also read: 7 Unknown Facts about Carlos Alcaraz that you never knew