Rafael Nadal, the legendary Spanish tennis player, has withdrawn from the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, just a day before his scheduled first match. The 22-time Grand Slam champion announced his withdrawal on social media, expressing his disappointment.
Nadal has been sidelined for nearly all of the past season due to a hip injury that required surgery. He briefly returned to action in early January, playing three matches before suffering a muscle tear near the hip. This forced him to miss the Australian Open and has kept him off the tour since.
Nadal had arrived in the California desert well ahead of the hard-court tournament to prepare for his return to action. He left to play an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas on Sunday before returning to Indian Wells.
The 37-year-old was scheduled to face 2016 Wimbledon runner-up Milos Raonic in the first round on Thursday night. However, his withdrawal has left the tennis world eagerly awaiting his next competitive appearance.
Nadal’s absence from the BNP Paribas Open is a significant blow to the tournament, which is one of the most prestigious events on the ATP Tour. It also raises questions about his future in the sport. Nadal has hinted that this could be his final year as a professional, and his recent injury setbacks have cast doubt on his ability to continue competing at the highest level.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Nadal remains one of the most respected and admired figures in tennis. His determination and resilience have inspired countless fans around the world, and his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time is secure.
