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INDIAN WELLS, California. — Rafa Nadal withdrew from Indian Wells on Wednesday on the eve of his first-round match, saying he is not “ready to play at the highest level”.
The 37-year-old Spaniard, who has said he expects to retire after the 2024 season, returned to competition in Brisbane in January after almost a year sidelined with a hip flexor injury, but had to miss the Australian Open with another muscle tear.
“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament,” the 22-times 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.
“That’s also one of the reasons why I came very early to the desert to practice and try to get ready. — Reuters.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter