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Rafael Nadal of Spain attempts to hit a return during the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, January 18, 2023. /CFP
Rafael Nadal of Spain attempts to hit a return during the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, January 18, 2023. /CFP

Rafael Nadal of Spain attempts to hit a return during the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, January 18, 2023. /CFP

Spain's Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz withdrew Tuesday from the Monte Carlo Masters, raising questions over their fitness ahead of next month's French Open.

Nadal, who has won the Monte Carlo tournament 11 times, is preparing for a tilt at a record-extending 15th French Open title and a 23rd Grand Slam crown, to break the men's all-time record that he shares with Novak Djokovic of Serbia.

"Hi everyone, I'm still not ready to compete at the highest level," Nadal tweeted.

"I will not be able to play in one of the most important tournaments of my career, Monte Carlo."

The 36-year-old Spaniard said he was hoping to return soon from the hip flexor injury he sustained in the Australian Open in January, suffering a second-round exit against Mackenzie McDonald.

Nadal pulled out of hard-court tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami, with his sights set on a return at the start of the clay-court season.

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain wins a point during the Miami Open in Miami, U.S., March 31, 2023. /CFP
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain wins a point during the Miami Open in Miami, U.S., March 31, 2023. /CFP

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain wins a point during the Miami Open in Miami, U.S., March 31, 2023. /CFP

Alcaraz pulled out of the event because of his hand and back injury problems.

He was set to battle Djokovic for the top rank in the French Open warm-up tournament.

"After two months abroad, I am happy to return home but sad because I finished my last match in Miami with physical discomfort," said Alcaraz on Twitter.

"I will not be able to go to Monte Carlo to start the clay court tour. I have post-traumatic arthritis in my left hand and muscular discomfort in the spine that needs rest to prepare for everything that is to come."

(With input from AFP)

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