Why has Rafael Nadal withdrawn from the 2024 Indian Wells Open?

It was just four days ago that the Spanish legend played against his compatriot in the first-ever ‘Netflix Slam.’ Now, fans are facing the reality that he will not be present at this year’s Indian Wells Open. What does the future hold for the aging star?

Rafael Nadal pulls out of the 2024 Indian Wells Open

According to his post on social media, Spanish Tennis sensation Rafael Nadal is withdrawing from the 2024 Indian Wells Open. Understandably, the news comes as a shock as Nadal embarks on what many have begun to believe will be his last season on tour. It’s worth noting of course, that Nadal himself has given no word on whether that will in fact be the case. Nonetheless, the 37-year-old will not face Milos Raonic of Canada in the first round on Thursday night. To hear him tell it, he simply wasn’t happy with his recovery.

“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament at Indian Wells,” Nadal posted 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.”

The famous American tournament would have marked Nadal’s second appearance on the ATP Tour for the season so far following an almost season-long absence last year when he only managed to play in the Australian Open, the first major of the year. His first and only appearance this year came in January’s Brisbane Invitational, but he would later withdraw from the Australian Open due to a muscular micro tear. Most recently Nadal featured in the inaugural ‘Netflix Slam’ in Las Vegas where he played against current World No. 2 and fellow Spaniard, Carlos Alcaraz.

After winning the first set 6-3, he would go on to lose the second set and tiebreak (14-12) to his younger opponent. At this point, it remains unclear as to what comes next for the 22-time Grand Slam winner, but he is due to play at the Barcelona Open in April which is followed by his Pet tournament: the French Open. Can Rafael Nadal still perform at the highest level? Quite likely. How often can he do so without increased breaks in between? That’s something that’s hard to say.