Rafael Nadal has pulled out of Indian Wells 24 hours earlier than his first-round match with Milos Raonic on Friday.
Nadal, 37, made his long-awaited return at January’s Brisbane Worldwide, after nearly a yr out with damage.
Nonetheless, the Spaniard sustained a hip damage on the event which dominated him out of the Australian Open.
Nadal performed an exhibition match towards Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, however stated he isn’t but prepared “to play on the highest stage”.
“It’s with nice disappointment that I’ve to withdraw from this superb event,” the 22-time Grand Slam winner wrote on Instagram.
“Everybody is aware of how a lot I like this place and the way a lot I like to play right here at Indian Wells. That is additionally one of many explanation why I got here very early to the desert to follow and attempt to prepare.”
In Might, after being compelled to overlook the French Open for the primary time in 19 years, Nadal stated 2024 would “most likely” be the ultimate yr of his profession.
Final month, the previous world primary stated he was not sure of what number of tournaments he would be capable to compete in earlier than retiring, however added that it was “not going to be many”.
“I’ve been working laborious and training and also you all know I took a take a look at this weekend however I do not discover myself able to play on the highest stage at such an essential occasion,” Nadal, a three-time winner at Indian Wells, stated on Thursday.
“It isn’t a simple choice, it is a robust one as a matter of reality however I can not deceive myself and deceive the 1000’s of followers. I’ll miss you all and I’m positive the event might be a fantastic success.”
Nadal’s subsequent event is more likely to be on his favoured clay floor at subsequent month’s Monte Carlo Masters, the place he’s an 11-time champion.