Spanish tennis great Rafael Nadal has decided to skip the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells at the last minute on Wednesday.
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NADAL ‘NOT READY TO PLAY AT HIGHEST LEVEL YET’
The former world No.1 recognizes the Indian Wells tournament as “an important event.” However, Nadal felt that he was not yet “ready to play at the highest level.”
“Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I love to play here,” Nadal wrote on Wednesday night. “That’s also one of the reasons why I came very early to the desert to practice and try to get ready.”
“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,” he added.
ORGANIZERS ‘DISAPPOINTED’ BUT RESPECT NADAL DECISION
Indian Wells organizers were already informed of Nadal’s decision. Tournament director Timmy Haas hopes for the Spaniard’s immediate recovery.
“We are disappointed that Rafa is unable to play in the BNP Paribas Open, but we wish him continued healing and hope he can be back in action again soon,” he added.
Fans were hoping to watch Nadal after he lost to compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in an exhibition match on Sunday. Lucky loser Sumit Nagal replaces Nadal in the draw.
