Rafael Nadal will miss the American ATP Masters 1000 in Indian Wells and Miami, and, for this reason, after almost 18 years, he will soon officially drop out of the Top-10. Rafa’s longevity records are impressive and the Spanish tennis player is the only one to have remained in the Top Ten since April 2005.
Extraordinary numbers but with the Spaniard who therefore soon leaves the world Top-10. In fact, Rafa will lose the points in Indian Wells where he made the final last year and consequently his exit is now mathematical.
What happened
The news had been in the air for some time, but now there has been the official announcement.
The Spanish champion Rafael Nadal, twenty-two times winner of Grand Slam titles, will not participate in the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments, the next 1000 on the calendar and which will be played on American hard courts.
Nadal was injured during the match valid for the second round of the Australian Open, a challenge that saw him lose against the American MacKenzie McDonald. During that meeting Rafa suffered a muscle problem and according to the first indications he had to come back directly after 6-8 weeks.
All confirmed and Rafa, barring sensational twists, should return to the ATP tournament in Montecarlo and prepare the season on clay in the best possible way. Rafa posted a video on social media where he was intent on training and said: “Hi everyone, I haven’t written on social media for a while As advised by the doctors I started the gym and rehabilitation, I want to work and get back in the best possible condition.
I am very sad that I will not be able to attend and compete in the upcoming Indian Wells and Miami tournaments. Very sad, I will miss my American fans and hope to be back there soon.” The Majorcan exchanged some blows on clay and decided not to participate in the first Masters 1000 of the season.
The Spaniard should return to the field in Monte Carlo and also miss the Miami Open. “We hope he recovers soon and sees him back next year at Indian Wells,” said tournament director Tommy Haas in the words quoted by Marca.
