Misses Indian Wells

“Not ready yet”: Rafael Nadal cancels comeback

Rafael Nadal will be missing in Indian Wells.(Bild: APA/Getty Images via AFP/GETTY IMAGES/Chris Unger)

Former world number one Rafael Nadal has canceled his ATP comeback. One day before his opening match in Indian Wells, the Spaniard announced on Wednesday afternoon (local time) that he is "not yet ready to play at the highest level". 

He will therefore not be competing at the tournament in California. The decision was not easy for him, "but I can't lie to myself and the thousands of fans," said the 37-year-old. Lucky loser Sumit Nagal moves up.

Duel with compatriot Alcaraz
"Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I like playing here in Indian Wells," emphasized the three-time winner of the hard-court tournament. He had also trained very hard and had come to the desert resort "very early" to prepare for the sixth biggest tournament in the world. He also completed a test at the weekend. In Las Vegas, the Spaniard had lost an exhibition against his 17 years younger compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in three sets. Nadal said afterwards that things had gone "better than expected" against the current world number two.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner is now only number 652 in the world after years plagued by injury. He only returned to the tour in Australia in January, but after two victories at the tournament in Brisbane he was stopped by the next injury and had to miss the Australian Open. At the Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells, Nadal wanted to gain match practice for the clay court season starting in April. The former world number one's last major goals are the French Open and the Olympic Games, which are also being held at the Stade Roland Garros. Nadal celebrated his greatest successes there. He won the title in Paris 14 times.