Tennis: Rafael Nadal Withdraws From Indian Wells, Miami Open

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal said he has decided to withdraw from two upcoming Masters 1000 hardcourt events, the Indian Wells and Miami Open, due to injury.

Nadal, who has not competed since his Australian Open second-round loss during which he aggravated a hip problem, said he had started rehab and physiotherapy as instructed by doctors.

“I am sad that I won’t be able to compete at Indian Wells nor Miami. Very sad not to be there,” read a message posted on Nadal’s Twitter account. “I’ll miss all my US fans but I hope to see them later this year during the summer swing.”

I am sad that I won’t be able to compete at Indian Wells nor Miami.
Very sad not to be there. I’ll miss all my US fans but I hope to see them later this year during the summer swing. pic.twitter.com/v6dsf1ayTI

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) February 28, 2023

Nadal, 36, is a three-time champion at Indian Wells having triumphed in 2007, 2009 and 2013. He has reached the Miami Open final five times, but has never won the title and has not competed there since 2017.

“We wish Rafa continued healing, and hope to see him back at the BNP Paribas Open next year,” Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas said in a statement.

• Read more: Nadal Sidelined For 6-8 Weeks With Injury

At the Australian Open, top seed Nadal tweaked his left hip while running for a backhand in the second set at Rod Laver Arena, and after inspection from a trainer when trailing 6-4 5-3, he went off-court for a medical time-out.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion returned grim-faced to play out the match but his movement was clearly affected, paving the way for American Mackenzie McDonald to end the Spaniard’s bid for a third title at Melbourne Park.

Reuters/MTO