Rafael Nadal to skip the Las Vegas exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz as injury-forced withdrawals continue
Rafael Nadal is forced to withdraw from yet another event after pulling out of Doha and Dubai earlier.
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Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz
The tennis calendar of Spanish star Rafael Nadal has yet again faced some disturbance due to injury. The 36-year-old is forced to withdraw from his exhibition match against compatriot Carlos Alcaraz. The clash was a precursor for the Indian Wells tournament and was scheduled to take place on March 5 in Las Vegas.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion suffered an injury during his Australian Open run last month. On diagnosis, it was revealed that Nadal had to sit out for six to eight weeks. It is highly unlikely that he will compete in the Indian Well event also.
Nadal made the announcement with a heavy heart. “I am very sad about not being able to come to Vegas and play in this amazing event with Carlos at the MGM Grand Garden Arena,” he said. “Unfortunately, the timing of my recovery doesn’t make it possible to be there ready to play. I am sure that we will find another date to celebrate this event and have fun.”
Rafa also thanked all his supporters in the same statement. “I would like to thank the fans and event organizers who have been in contact with me all the time, showed a lot of support, and have been extremely understanding.”
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Nadal earlier withdrew from Doha and Dubai ATP events
The Spaniard did not have the start of the season he was expecting. In Melbourne, where he was the defending champion, bowed out in the second round. The Grade 2 iliopsoas injury he suffered Down Under made the matters worse for him against Mackenzie McDonald in a 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 loss.
Rafa is currently not training on the court as he is on the recovery path. For the first time in 18 years, he is facing the risk of dropping out of the top 10 of the rankings. In his whole career, Nadal has been haunted by injuries. And now in the twilight years, there is no relief either.
After last year’s Wimbledon, Nadal has played just 13 matches. Now he has pulled out of the ATP-250 event in Doha and the ATP-500 event in Dubai. Anyway, his fans are expecting Nadal, who will turn 37 during the French Open, to win his 15th title on the red clay before further uncertainty about his future sets in.
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Abhinavendu Singh
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