“I’m not ready to play at the highest level”

Fans Rafael Nadal They will have to wait a little longer to see him in action again at a big tournament. The Spanish tennis player announced this on March 6. withdraws from Indian Wells Masters 1000 tournament 2024 because he doesn’t feel ready to play at the highest level yet.

“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this incredible tournament,” Nadal, 37, said via his social networks and in a note published by the tournament.

“Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I love playing here in Indian Wells. This is also one of the reasons why I came to the desert very early to train and try to prepare. “I’ve worked and trained hard and you all know I passed the test this weekend, but I’m not ready to play at the highest level at such an important event,” he explained.

He winner 14 Roland Garros He was scheduled to make his debut on March 6 against the Canadian. Milos Raonic. After an exhibition match on March 3 in Las Vegas against compatriot Carlos AlcarazIndian Wells was to be his first tournament since suffering a muscle injury on January 7 at a tournament in Brisbane.

“This is not an easy decision, in fact it is difficult, but I cannot lie to myself and thousands of fans. “I will miss you all and I am sure that the tournament will be a great success,” concluded the winner of 22 Grand Slam titles, having missed one of his favorite tournaments for the second year in a row.

Keep reading to find out what Rafael Nadal’s goals are for 2024.