Former world No. 1 Rafael Nadal has announced his withdrawal from the ATP Masters 1000 event in Monte-Carlo, marking another setback in his comeback plans. Citing his body’s inability to cope with competitive tennis, Nadal expressed disappointment at being unable to participate.
“My body simply won’t allow me,” Nadal stated. “And even if I am working hard and making the maximum effort every day with all the will to play and compete again at tournaments that have been very important for me, the truth is that I can’t play today.”
The Monte-Carlo Masters was supposed to mark Nadal’s return to competitive action since January, when he played three matches at the Brisbane International before a muscle injury sidelined him from the Australian Open, Qatar Open, and Indian Wells Open.
Despite the lack of detail about his injury, Nadal’s former coach Toni confirmed that the tennis star still experiences discomfort when serving.
“Either you go [to a tournament] one hundred per cent or better not participate,” Toni explained. “For the moment, he can’t play there, he hasn’t recovered yet. He has discomfort when serving, otherwise he has no problems when training.”
With the Barcelona Open scheduled to start on April 15, followed by the Madrid Open, questions arise about Nadal’s participation in these events. However, Toni remained uncertain about Nadal’s plans.
“I don’t know what he will do regarding Barcelona and Madrid. I haven’t been in his sports environment for years,” Toni mentioned. “I hope he can play because it is necessary to have a good Roland Garros.”
While uncertainties loom over Nadal’s immediate future, there’s still hope for his long-term prospects, particularly with the Paris Games scheduled at Roland Garros from July 27 to August 4. Toni expressed optimism about Nadal’s potential at the event.
“If he manages to recover and is well, I think he can win a medal in Paris,” Toni asserted. “It is difficult, of course, but one cannot rule him out as one of the favourites.”
As Nadal navigates through his injury woes, fans eagerly await updates on his recovery and potential return to the tennis court.
Rafael Nadal in 2024
Ranked world no.649, Rafael played his last match on the 5th of January when he capitulated to world no.33 Jordan Thompson 5-7 7-6(6) 6-3 in the quarter in Brisbane (draw).
Presently, during this year Rafael owns an overall 2-1 win-loss record.
Nadal has scheduled to compete next in Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters (Monte–Carlo). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 7th of April.
Rafael Nadal |
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