AFP – Rafael Nadal abandoned his planned ATP Tour comeback at the Indian Wells Masters on Wednesday, saying he was not ready for the demands of tournament tennis on the eve of his opening match in California.
The Spanish icon’s bombshell decision came four days after the 37-year-old lost a Las Vegas exhibition to compatriot and world number two Carlos Alcaraz.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion had been due to open at Indian Wells yesterday against Canada’s former Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic.
“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament at Indian Wells,” Nadal said in a statement.
