Rafael Nadal has had a tough start to the 2023 season and he was forced to pull out from yet another event, the 2023 BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells.
Since the Australian Open, Nadal has been struggling with an injury that has forced him to pull out of events in Doha and Dubai, and now he has withdrawn from the prestigious BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells as well. This is a big blow for the Spaniard, as he was the defending finalist at the event and would have had a good chance to gain some much-needed ranking points.
Nadal has always been known for his physicality and his ability to grind out tough matches, but it seems that his body is starting to take its toll on him. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has always been very careful about his schedule and takes breaks when he needs to, so this decision to withdraw from Indian Wells was likely not an easy one for him.
“We wish Rafa continued healing, and hope to see him back at the BNP Paribas Open next year.”
Because of his withdrawal and inability to defend last year's points, it's very likely that the Spaniard will end his incredible streak and leave the Top 10 of the ATP Rankings for the first time since 2005.
With Nadal out of the picture, the field at Indian Wells is wide open. Players like Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Stefanos Tsitsipas will be looking to capitalize on Nadal's absence and take home the trophy.