Nadal withdraws from Indian Wells last minute

Rafael Nadal of Spain announced ahead of the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday that he would once again postpone his return to competing, explaining on social media platform X, that he was not ready to "play at the highest level."

Nadal, 37, had earlier pulled out of the Australian Open in January after sustaining a muscle tear during the warm-up event of the opening Grand Slam of the year, the Brisbane International, where he lost to local Jordan Thompson in the third round. He then quit the Dubai Championships last month. 

Staying out because of a hip flexor injury throughout 2023, the 22-time Grand Slam winner said he was looking to retire after the 2024 season, and that he had hoped to play at the French Open where he holds a record of 14 titles and the Paris Olympics to win his second singles gold medal for Spain. Meanwhile, the Miami Open due to take place shortly after the Indian Wells event is not on Nadal's agenda, according to his representative Benito Perez-Barbadillo.

"Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I love to play here at Indian Wells," said Nadal. "That's also one of the reasons why I came very early to the desert to practice and try to get ready.

"I have been working hard and practicing and you all know I took a test this weekend but I don't find myself ready to play at the highest level at such an important event," he added.

"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. I will miss you all and I am sure the tournament will be a great success," said Nadal.

"He is one of the all-time fan favorites here, and we hope to see him back in Indian Wells again in the future," said Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas.

With Nadal pulling out, lucky loser Sumit Nagal of India will play against former World Number 3 Milos Raonic of Canada in the first round.