As was expected, Rafael Nadal will compete at the season’s first Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami. The Spaniard experienced a Grade 2 iliopsoas injury during the Australian Open and will stay away from the court until Monte Carlo. The Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas wished Nadal a quick recovery, hoping to see him in California in 2024. Rafa practiced on clay a bit a few days ago, and it was clear he would not come to Indian Wells and Miami. Rafa claimed two Major titles at the start of 2022 and looked good to finish the season at the top. However, he injured his abdominal muscle at Wimbledon and scored only four wins in the rest of the season. Instead of a fresh start in 2023, the Spaniard lost two United Cup matches and traveled to Melbourne with no confidence. Nadal passed the first obstacle at the Australian Open and faced Mackenzie McDonald in the second round. Nadal injured his left hip in the second set’s closing stages and experienced a 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 loss, his earliest at Majors since 2016.
Rafael Nadal will not compete in Indian Wells this month.
McDonald played well and stayed focused against an injured rival in the third set. Mackenzie produced five breaks from eight opportunities and lost serve twice to emerge at the top. Rafa will not have a chance to seek his fourth Indian Wells title, lifting the trophies between 2007 and 2013 and losing in the final a year ago. The Spaniard prevailed over Reilly Opelka and Nick Kyrgios last year to reach the Indian Wells semi-final. He defeated Carlos Alcaraz after over three hours and fractured his left rib. Nadal gave his best to challenge Taylor Fritz in the final before falling 6-3, 7-6 to suffer his first season’s loss and settle with the runner-up prize. Fritz played with an injury, too, but gave his best to overcome a 21-time Major winner and lift his first notable title in front of the home fans. Nadal will lose 600 ATP points and drop out from the top-10 for the first time in almost 18 years!
“We wish Rafa continued healing and hope to see him back at the BNP Paribas Open next year,” said Tournament Director Tommy Haas.
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