Boris Becker sends special message to Rafael Nadal after Spaniard shockingly withdraws from Indian Wells!

Rafael Nadal pulls out of the Indian Wells Masters days before his first on-court encounter. 

Boris Becker sends special message to Rafael Nadal after Spaniard shockingly withdraws from Indian Wells!

Boris Becker and Rafael Nadal (Image via: Imago)

Boris Becker sent a special message to Rafael Nadal, hours after the Spanish legend withdrew from Indian Wells. For the uninitiated, as per the tennis great himself, he was not ready to play at the highest point, despite playing an exhibition match against young talent Carlos Alcaraz.

Nadal, who is expected to retire in the 2024 season, has only played three matches this season. The 37-year-old had a major comeback at Brisbane International in early January but was shortlived after experiencing a muscle tear, and then withdrew from the 2024 Australian Open as well.

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However, he returned for an exhibition event in Las Vegas against Carlos Alcaraz and appeared ready to compete at the Indian Wells Court. Just days before his opening game, the Spanish legend announced his withdrawal in a statement released on social media.

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He stated that he has been working hard and practicing all day but doesn’t find himself ready to play at such an important event. Boris Becker, who has been a big fan of the Spaniard, sent a special message to him through his Instagram story.

Get well soon and recover! We want to see you back on a tennis court.
Becker wrote on his Instagram story
Boris Becker message to Nadal (Image via: Instagram)

With that being said, Nadal is undeniably the favorite for Roland Garros, despite several injury setbacks. The 22-time Grand Slam winner would be hoping to click form at the clay court, where he has been dubbed the King of Clay.

Boris Becker hails ATP decision for reinstating Andrey Rublev points and prize money

Boris Becker has lauded the ATP for its decision to reinstate Andrey Rublev’s prize money and ranking points following his controversial disqualification in Dubai. The Russian was accused of yelling and swearing at a line umpire during his semi-final match against Alexander Bublik.

Andrey Rublev and Boris Becker
Andrey Rublev and Boris Becker (Images via IMAGO)

Despite Rublev pleading his innocence, he was defaulted on and disqualified, which meant his prize money and points would be taken away. However, after an appeal, his $36,400 prize money and points were reinstated. 

Boris Becker lauded the ATP for its decision on X (formerly known as Twitter), stating that it was a good decision from the men’s player governing body.

Good decision from the committee! Andrey is one of the nicest guys on tour but sometimes his emotions get hold of him on the court… We live and learn.
Becker wrote on X

Andrey Rublev would be hoping to put all the controversy in Dubai behind him as he heads into the Indian Wells Masters. He will play Andy Murray in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open.

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