Rafael Nadal withdrew from the Masters 1000 series tournament in Monte Carlo. The 37-year-old Spaniard said his body is not ready for the workload ahead, casting doubt on whether the 22-time Grand Slam champion will be in line for his beloved Roland Garros.
The Matador, who has already said he expects this to be his last season on Tour, returned to court in January in Brisbane after nearly a year out with a hip problem, but has not played since. Nadal missed the Masters in Indian Wells and Miami but was expected to be ready for start the clay court season.
"These are very difficult times for me from a sporting point of view. Unfortunately, I have to reveal to you that I will not be playing in Monte Carlo. My body just won't let me. And even if I work hard and give my best every day, with all the will to play and participate in tournaments that are so important to me, the truth is that I cannot be on the court today. You have no idea how hard it is for me not to be able to play in these tournaments", the Spaniard wrote on social networks.
The Monte Carlo Masters starts on Sunday. Nadal holds the record for titles with 11 - his last triumph dates back to 2018. The main draw of Roland Garros starts on May 26. Nadal, who last won the 2022 French Open title, has not competed in a Slam since crashing out in the second round of the Australian Open last year. /BGNES
