Rafael Nadal deserted his deliberate ATP Tour comeback on the Indian Wells Masters on Wednesday, saying he was not prepared for the calls for of event tennis on the eve of his opening match in California. The Spanish icon’s bombshell determination got here 4 days after the 37-year-old misplaced a Las Vegas exhibition to compatriot and world quantity two Carlos Alcaraz. Nadal missed virtually the entire 2023 season with belly and different accidents and has performed solely the Brisbane International this season, the place he suffered a flare-up of a hip damage.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion had been as a consequence of open at Indian Wells on Thursday towards Canada’s former Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic.

“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament at Indian Wells,” Nadal mentioned in a press release.

“I have been working hard … but I don’t find myself ready to play at the highest level at such an important event.

“It shouldn’t be a simple determination, it is a robust one as a matter of truth however I am unable to misinform myself and misinform the 1000’s of followers.

“I will miss you all and I am sure the tournament will be a great success.”

Indian Wells event director Tommy Haas expressed disappointment at Nadal’s withdrawal.

“We wish him continued healing and hope he can be back in action again soon,” Haas mentioned. “He is one of the all-time fan favorites here, and we hope to see him back in Indian Wells again in the future.”

On Sunday, Nadal had given an encouraging efficiency in his Las Vegas conflict with Alcaraz.

After struggling a muscle tear in Brisbane in January, Nadal withdrew from the Australian Open, the primary Grand Slam of the season.

He then scrapped plans to return to motion on the Qatar Open in February, saying he was “not ready to compete.”

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