Just three days following his participation in the inaugural “Netflix Slam,” Rafael Nadal made a significant announcement: he is withdrawing from the 2024 Indian Wells Open before his scheduled first-round match.
This news carries weight for Nadal enthusiasts, considering that the 2024 season might potentially mark his final one on the tour—though he has yet to provide a definitive answer.
Originally set to face Canadian Milos Raonic on Thursday night in the renowned American tennis event, Nadal expressed that he wasn’t fully recuperated from his injury.
“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament at Indian Wells,” Nadal shared on Wednesday night. “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.
“I have been working hard and practicing 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. 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. I will miss you all and I am sure the tournament will be a great success.”
Indian Wells was anticipated to mark Nadal’s second appearance on the ATP Tour this season after he missed nearly the entire 2023 season following the Australian Open. Nadal made his tennis comeback at January’s Brisbane Invitational but subsequently withdrew from the Australian Open due to a micro tear on a muscle.
Nadal recently faced off against World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas on Sunday in the “Netflix Slam,” where he won the first set 6–3. However, Nadal ultimately lost the second set and the tiebreak (which extended to 14–12), resulting in his defeat.
At present, Nadal’s next anticipated appearance is slated for the Barcelona Open in April, leading up to his preferred Grand Slam, the French Open. Nadal boasts an impressive record of 22 Grand Slam titles, with 14 of those triumphs coming from the renowned clay tournament.
