Rafael Nadal and another difficult decision: he abandoned the Indian Wells Masters 1000 to increase uncertainty about his future

A few hours after his debut in Indian Wells Masters 1000, scheduled for Thursday no earlier than 9pm in Argentina against the Canadian Milos Raonicthe Spanish Rafael Nadal abandoned the three-time winning tournament (2007, 2009 and 2013) whereas it is not found in optimal physical conditions to return to the competition. The Indian will replace him Sumit Nagalwhich enters as lucky loser

“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this incredible Indian Wells tournament. Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I love playing here. This is also one of the reasons why I came to the desert very early to practice and try to prepare.“, began the Spaniard, who had just played an exhibition against Carlos Alcaraz Sunday in Las Vegas, in a post on his social media.

“I’ve been working hard and training and you all know I tried this weekend but I’m not ready to play at the highest level in such a big event. It’s not an easy decision, it’s difficult in fact, but I can’t lie to myself and the thousands of fans. “I will miss you all and I am sure that the tournament will be a great success,” he added.

Nadal, 37, has played just four matches in all of 2023 and began this season in Australia with the intention of playing Australia’s first Grand Slam, but in his third match of the ATP 250 in Brisbane against local Jordan Thompson he suffered a muscle injury that altered his plans.

“During my last match in Brisbane I had a small muscle problem which, as you know, worried me. Once I got to Melbourne I had the opportunity to have an MRI and I have a micro tear in a muscle, not in the same part where I had the injury and that’s good news,” he commented at the time.

He added: “At this time I am not prepared to compete at the highest level required in 5-set matches. “I’m going back to Spain to see my doctor, receive treatment and rest.”

Weeks pass and the Spaniard, who has suffered a lot with his physique throughout his career, He still can’t recover and tennis lovers’ hope of seeing him compete in 2025 is fading.

“For me it is important to face 2024 with guarantees for what I feel will be my last year,” he said mid-last year in a press conference called after confirming his withdrawal from Roland Garros. At the moment there are no guarantees and the end seems ever closer.