Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal withdrew from the continued Indian Wells Open competitors on the eve of his first-round match, saying that he’s “not ready to play at the highest level”. The 37-year-old veteran made his return to aggressive tennis in Brisbane this January after a hip flexor damage saved him sidelined for nearly an yr. He missed on Australian Open after sustaining one other muscle tear.

During an exhibition occasion on Sunday at Las Vegas, the Spanish star misplaced to teenager Carlos Alcaraz however regarded all set to battle for his fourth Indian Wells title, however he pulled out of his match towards Canadian Milos Raonic. Speaking on X (previously Twitter) as quoted by Sky Sports, Nadal mentioned, “It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament.”

“Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I love to play here at Indian Wells.” “That is 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 dont find myself ready to play at the highest level at such an important event.”

“It is not an easy decision, it is a tough one as a matter of fact but I cannot 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,” he concluded. Nadal’s alternative shall be fortunate loser Sumit Nagal, who can even be the primary Indian in the principle draw of an ATP Masters 1000 occasion since Prajnesh Gunneswaran again in 2019 in Miami. (ANI)

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