FILE PHOTO: Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 18, 2023 Spain's Rafael Nadal looks dejected after losing his second round match against Mackenzie Mcdonald of the U.S. REUTERS/Carl Recine/File Photo
Rafael Nadal withdrew from the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday, explaining that he is not fully ready to compete at the highest level.
“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament at Indian Wells,” Nadal wrote. “Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I love to play here. That’s also one of the reasons why I came very early to the desert to practice and try to get ready.”
The former No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings has been on site in the California desert and trained Tuesday evening in front of his adoring fans. But he will not take the court against former World No. 3 Milos Raonic and will be replaced by lucky loser Sumit Nagal.
“I have been working hard and practising 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,” Nadal said. “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.
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“I will miss you all and I am sure the tournament will be a great success.”
Three-time champion Nadal owns a 59-11 record at Indian Wells. His lone tournament this season came in Brisbane, where the lefty won two matches before falling to Jordan Thompson.
