Rafael Nadal’s fitness let him down on Wednesday as the Spaniard withdrew a day before his opening match at the Indian Wells Masters.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion said in a statement that he was unprepared to take to the court on Thursday against Canadian Milos Raonic.
The withdrawal landed just four days after the 37-year-old lost a Las Vegas exhibition to compatriot young gun Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 2.
“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament. Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I love to play here at Indian Wells,” Nadal said.
“That’s also one of the reasons why I came very early to the desert to practice and try to get ready.
“I’ve been working hard and practicing and you all know I took a test this weekend (the Alcaraz exhibition).
“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.”
Nadal missed almost all of the 2023 season after exiting the Australian Open.
He made a return last January in Brisbane, but was defeated in the quarter-finals by Australian Jordan Thompson.
The veteran has suffered with the abdominal and foot problems which have kept him off court.
