Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters, saying his physique isn’t but prepared for competitors.
The news casts extra doubt on whether or not the injury-plagued 22-time grand slam champion could have the possibility to compete at his favorite main, the French Open, for maybe the final time.
The 37-year-old Spaniard, who has mentioned he expects to retire after the 2024 season, returned to competitors in Brisbane in January, after virtually a yr sidelined with a hip flexor damage, however has not performed an ATP occasion since.
The Spaniard skipped the Indian Wells Masters final month saying he was not “ready to play at the highest level” however was anticipated to return for the clay-court swing within the build-up to the French Open, which he has gained a document 14 occasions.
“These are very difficult moments for me, sporting wise. Unfortunately I have to tell you that I am not going to be playing in Monte Carlo. My body simply won’t allow me,” Nadal mentioned in a press release on social media on Thursday.
“And even if I am working hard and making the maximum effort every day with all the will to play and compete again at tournaments that have been very important for me, the truth is that I can’t play today.
“You don’t know how onerous that is for me to not have the ability to play these occasions. The solely factor I can do is to simply accept the scenario and check out to take a look at the quick future conserving the thrill and can to play as a way to give me an opportunity for issues to get higher.”
The Monte Carlo Masters begins on Sunday. Nadal has won the event a record 11 times, with his last victory coming in 2018.
The French Open foremost draw begins on May 26. Nadal, who final gained the Roland Garros title in 2022, has not competed at a slam since a second-round exit eventually yr’s Australian Open.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
