Spanish tennis superstar Rafael Nadal has announced his withdrawal from the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. The 22-time Grand Slam winner made the announcement on social media, stating that he does not feel prepared enough to compete at the highest level. This news comes as a disappointment to fans who were eagerly anticipating Nadal’s first-round match against Canadian player Milos Raonic.
Nadal, a three-time champion at Indian Wells, expressed his sadness at having to withdraw from the tournament. He emphasized his love for the venue and his dedication to preparing for the event. Despite arriving early in the desert to practice, Nadal ultimately concluded that he was not ready to compete at his best.
Replacing Nadal in the draw is Indian player Sumit Nagal, who will now face Raonic in the first round. The BNP Paribas Open will take place at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden and run until March 17.
This withdrawal marks Nadal’s first absence from the world tour since the Brisbane International in January. The Spanish player had made a highly anticipated comeback after recovering from a hip injury. However, his participation in the “Netflix Slam” exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas ended in defeat.
In his announcement, Nadal acknowledged the hard work and practice he had put in but admitted that he did not feel ready to compete at such an important event. He expressed his disappointment at having to make this tough decision but emphasized his commitment to being honest with himself and his fans. Nadal assured his supporters that he would miss them and expressed confidence in the success of the tournament.
Nadal’s career has been plagued by injuries in recent years, causing him to miss several major tournaments. In May 2023, he stated that 2024 would likely be his last year on tour, although he did not completely rule out continuing beyond that. The tennis world will be eagerly watching to see how Nadal’s career unfolds in the coming years.
Tournament director Tommy Haas expressed his disappointment at Nadal’s withdrawal but wished him a speedy recovery. Haas acknowledged Nadal’s popularity among fans and expressed hope for his return to Indian Wells in the future.
Although Nadal’s absence is a blow to the tournament, the BNP Paribas Open promises to be an exciting event filled with top-level tennis. Fans will have the opportunity to witness thrilling matches and see new talents emerge on the court. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on the remaining players as they vie for the prestigious title.