Rafael Nadal will miss the ATP 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami, the 22-time Grand Slam champion confirmed on social media on Tuesday.
“I’m sad that I won’t be able to compete in either Indian Wells or Miami,” Nadal tweeted after Indian Wells officials announced he had withdrawn from the California desert tournament, which starts on next week.
“It is very sad that I am not there. I will miss all my US fans, but I hope to see them later this year during the summer holidays.”
The news comes after the Spaniard announced in late January that he would miss six to eight weeks due to a hip flexor injury he suffered at the Australian Open.
“We wish Rafa a continued recovery and look forward to seeing him again at the BNP Paribas Open next year,” said Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas.
Nadal, who said on January 26 that tests had confirmed a moderate tear in a muscle in his left thigh, tweeted a video of him working out at the gym.
“Took a vacation, started rehab, gym and physical therapy as directed by the doctors,” he said. “Getting ready to return in better conditions.”
That likely means a clay court season starting in mid-April leading up to Roland Garros where he will challenge for his 15th French Open title in May.
Nadal, who made history as the first man to win 21 Grand Slam singles titles at the 2022 Australian Open, was eliminated from this year’s tournament in January after just two matches.
He said he had a problem in Melbourne for “a few days” but had not been diagnosed at the time.
Nadal, whose stellar career has been marked by injuries, was adamant that he would keep playing.
Last year, Nadal went undefeated against Indian Wells, winning the Australian Open in Melbourne and then winning two sets to beat Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final.
He won the ATP tournament in Acapulco and reached the final at Indian Wells where he was stunned by American Taylor Fritz in the final as he struggled with a rib injury.
He returned to win his 22nd Roland Garros Grand Slam title, a record Novak Djokovic has since set.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
