New Delhi, Mar 7: Spanish star Rafael Nadal, 37, on Wednesday announced his withdrawal from the BNP Paribas Open at India Wells, regretting that injuries allowed him to play only three matches in 2024, his last season in tennis. In the BNP Paribas Open, Indian player Sumit Nagal is replacing Nadal.
“It’s with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament. Everyone knows how much I love this place and to play here at Indian Wells, Nadal said on Instagram. “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 in such an important event. It’s tough, but I can’t lie to myself and the thousands of fans.”
The 22-time Grand Slam champion, Nadal was last year forced to stop competing during the Australian Open after he suffered a hip injury that didn’t allow him to compete at his highest level for the rest of the year. Rafael Nadal made his comeback in 2024 to compete at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. For preparation, he played a friendly match with his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz to test his fitness level.