2024-03-07 06:13:53
The Spaniard withdrew from the Californian Masters 1000 on Wednesday, casting further doubt on his ability to return to the highest level.
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In Indian Wells, an oasis in the heart of the Californian desert, the postcard setting of “Tennis Paradise” took a serious blow, Wednesday March 6, between the withdrawal of the highly anticipated Rafael Nadal, and the appearance of rain which disrupted the first day. While the headliners paraded at a press conference, Rafael Nadal was still waiting at the desk when a press release from the organization announcing his withdrawal came in a late afternoon obscured by clouds.
“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this incredible tournament. Everyone knows how much I love this place, and how much I love playing at Indian Wells.”declared the 37-year-old Spaniard, quoted in the press release, and three times winner of the competition (2007, 2009 and 2013).
Nadal had ticked off Indian Wells on the path to his hoped-for return to the high level, after an almost blank year in 2023 and a muscle injury in early January.
However, there was hope after his participation in an exhibition match on Saturday in Las Vegas, 4 hours away, against his young compatriot Carlos Alcaraz. But the legend with 22 Grand Slam titles felt that this return was premature.
“I worked hard, I took a test this weekend as you know, but I don’t find myself ready to play at the highest level at such an event. It’s not an easy decision but I can’t lie to me and to the thousands of supporters”commented the Mallorcan, who was expected in the first round on Thursday against the Canadian Milos Raonic.
Only 7 matches played in the last 15 months
At 37, Nadal’s loss further complicates his recovery operation. The Majorcan, who had suggested that the 2024 season could be his last, dreams of being competitive for the clay court season and especially at Roland-Garros for his favorite fortnight (May 20-June 9) then for the Olympic Games in Paris (July 26-August 11).
He missed almost the entire 2023 season and underwent two operations to repair a hip, before announcing his return in December. After playing three matches in Brisbane in January, he had to withdraw from the Australian Open immediately after suffering a muscle injury. When will we see Nadal on court again? Not lined up in Miami in two weeks, he has a month ahead of him to possibly prepare for the Masters 1000 in Monte-Carlo (April 7-14), the first of the year on clay, before Madrid (April 24-May 5) .
Van Assche sorti d’entrée
The sky was also sad at the Spaniard’s loss, and the rain, so rare in the Californian desert, disrupted the end of the day, interrupting the matches from 5:30 p.m. (2:30 a.m. Thursday Paris time). A Frenchman, however, managed to slip through the rain but not through the clutches of his opponent. Despite a break in the lead in both sets, Luca Van Assche was eliminated from the start by the Italian Matteo Arnaldi (7-6, 7-6). Since his 3rd round at the Australian Open, the young French hopeful (19 years old) has struggled to find the right fuel (6 defeats in his last 7 matches).
No big name had to snort on Wednesday, the 32 best players being directly qualified for the second round. The British Andy Murray defeated the Belgian David Goffin (6-3, 6-2) and made an appointment with the Russian Andrey Rublev (5th in the world) in the next round.
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