Indian tennis star Sumit Nagal has superior to the principle draw of the BNP Paribas Open as a ‘fortunate loser’ after Spanish celebrity Rafael Nadal withdrew from the occasion citing lack of readiness to play on the highest degree. The 26-year-old Nagal had misplaced within the second spherical of the qualifying event however acquired the large break as he was the very best ranked participant in that draw. He is at the moment positioned a hundred and first within the ATP rankings and was entitled to undergo in case of a last-minute essential draw withdrawal.

The Indian will tackle Canada’s Milos Raonic, a 2016 Wimbledon finalist who’s on protected rankings, early on Friday. Players injured for no less than six months can search a protected rating, which is a mean of their rating through the first three months of harm.

“Excited for my ATP Masters 1000 debut in Indian Wells,” Nagal posted on X.

Excited for my ATP Masters 1000 debut in Indian Wells pic.twitter.com/DmjeX7zvW9

— Sumit Nagal (@nagalsumit) March 7, 2024

Earlier, Nadal, 37, introduced his withdrawal in an announcement. The Spaniard has been battling harm points and was compelled to bear a hip surgical procedure final season.

“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,” he mentioned.

“I have been working hard and practising 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.

“It is just not a simple resolution, it is a powerful one as a matter of truth however I can not misinform myself and misinform the hundreds of followers. I’ll miss you all and I’m certain the event can be an incredible success,” he added.

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.
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… pic.twitter.com/JslDFANMW8

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) March 7, 2024

Tournament director Tommy Haas expressed his disappointment at Nadal’s withdrawal.

“We are disillusioned that Rafa is unable to play within the BNP Paribas Open, however we want him continued therapeutic and hope he might be again in motion once more quickly,” Haas said.

Nagal broke into the ATP top-100 last month on the back of his title win in the Chennai Challenger event. He, however, dropped out soon after owing to underwhelming results in the ensuing tournaments.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)