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The 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal continues to extend his return in competitive tennis after suffering an injury at the Brisbane International, in December 2024. The former World No. 1 took to social to confirm his withdrawal from the clay-court event, the Monte Carlo Masters 2024.
The ATP Masters 1000 event, which serves as the first clay-court tournament of this year, will be played from April 7 to 14 and serves as the preparatory tournament to the French Open 2024. The 37-year-old cited that his body is not up to the mark yet to make a return, hinting that he could be doubtful for the French Open too.
“Hi all, these are very difficult moments for me, sporting wise. Unfortunately I have to tell you that I am not going to be playing in Monte Carlo. My body simply won’t allow me. And even if I am working hard & making the maximum effort every day with all the will to play and compete again at tournaments that have been very important for me, the truth is that I can’t play today,” Nadal captioned his post on Instagram.
“You have no idea how hard this is for me to not be able to play these events. The only thing I can do is to accept the situation and try to look at the immediate future keeping the excitement and will to play in order to give me a chance for things to get better. Thanks again to all, as always, for all the support and best wishes!” he concluded.
Nadal has won the Monte Carlo Masters 11 times in total. Speaking of his injury, the Spaniard missed the 2023 season due to an injury, but on his return earlier this year, he was forced to miss the remaining Brisbane International and the following tournament with a micro tear on a muscle. Speaking of the ranking, the Spaniard has dropped to 649 after missing number of tournaments.
