The Spaniard, 37, played an exhibition against compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas on Sunday and had been scheduled to make his return at Indian Wells, but he has now confirmed that he is not yet “ready to play at the highest level”.
“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament,” the 22-time Grand Slam champion said in a statement. “Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I love to play here at Indian Wells.