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The Spaniard returned to action at the Netflix Slam in Las Vegas earlier this week, but the 22-time Grand Slam champion will take no part at the 2024 BNP Paribas Open in California.
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the 2024 Indian Wells Open, having been anticipated to make his comeback to competitive action at the Masters 1000 event.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner was slated to return to action against Milos Raonic in the first round on Thursday, with his exhibition tournament against Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas' Netflix Slam boding well for the legend of the sport.
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20:04 - 01.12.2023
Nadal is Back! Tennis legend announces his return to action in January 2024
Rafael Nadal announced his comeback to professional tennis playing in January 2024.
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18:12 - 31.05.2023
TENNIS 'I feel part of me is leaving with him too' - Djokovic speaks on Nadal's retirement
Novak Djokovic has admitted that Rafael Nadal will be missed by him when the tennis legend retires in 2024.
Indian Wells: Why Nadal withdrew
However, Nadal, who had not played competitively since January, will not participate against the Canadian tennis player after revealing he is not ready to return to competing at the highest level.
“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament at Indian Wells,” Nadal said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I love to play here. That’s 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 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 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.”
What comes next for Nadal?
Nadal’s position at Indian Wells will be taken by lucky loser Sumit Nagal, who will make history by being the first Indian in the main draw of an ATP Masters 1000 event since Prajnesh Gunneswaran in Miami in 2019.
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Although he was "disappointed” that Nadal would be withdrawing, tournament director Tommy Haas wished him "continued healing and hope he can be back in action again soon.
"We hope to see him back in Indian Wells again in the future. He is one of the all-time fan favourites here.”
The athlete has been dealing with a string of ailments lately, which has kept him out of several important competitions. In May 2023, Nadal declared that 2024 would probably be his final year of touring, while he left open the possibility of going on after that.
Nadal seeks to return to full fitness for the clay season as he seeks a 15th French Open title.
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