Rafael Nadal’s highly-anticipated return to tennis suffered a giant blow as he withdrew from the Indian Wells Open 2024 on Thursday. The legendary Spaniard confirmed his resolution with an emotional X put up on the eve of his opening sport in opposition to Milos Raonic within the Round of 128.
India’s top-ranked Sumit Nagal has named his replacement who will face the veteran Canadian within the first spherical in California on Friday.Â
Nadal, 37, revealed that he’s not able to characteristic within the top-tier ATP Tour match and added that he cannot lie about it to himself and his followers.Â
“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament at Indian Wells,” Nadal wrote in his X put up. “Everyone is aware of how a lot I really like this place and the way a lot I like to play right here. That’s additionally one of many the reason why I got here very early to the desert to follow and attempt to prepare.
“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 thousands of fans. I will miss you all and I am sure the tournament will be a great success”
After spending the 2023 season on the sidelines, the 22-time Grand Slam winner missed the Australian Open 2024 with a contemporary harm that occurred on the Brisbane International.Â
More to comply with…
