An exhibition match in Las Vegas, then a real endurance test in Indian Wells. That’s how Rafael Nadal imagined it. But nothing comes of the tennis star’s plan.
Rafael Nadal canceled his participation in the tennis tournament in Indian Wells at short notice.
“I’ve worked hard and you all know that I had a test at the weekend, but I don’t feel ready to play at the highest level in such an important event,” said the Spaniard in a statement from the organizers. “It’s not an easy decision, it’s even difficult, but I can’t lie to myself or thousands of fans.” For Nadal, Sumit Nagal from India moves into the main draw as a lucky loser.
Nadal had just played a show match against Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas on Sunday and had to admit defeat to his 17-year-younger compatriot in the match tiebreak 6:3, 4:6, 12:14. Physically, the 37-year-old looked good, even if he didn’t have to push himself to his limits.
Most recently, Nadal had to take a break for almost a year due to a complicated hip injury. He only returned to the ATP tour in Australia in January, but was stopped by the next injury at the tournament in Brisbane after two wins. The result: No Australian Open, instead more rest and rehab. “Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to complete the program that I had planned,” said Nadal, who also had to cancel the tournament in Doha. The big goal for Nadal is the clay court season with the French Open and the Olympic Games in Paris as highlights.
Source: Stern
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