Rafael Nadal won't be playing at the 2024 Monte-Carlo Masters after he was forced to withdraw from the ATP Masters 1000 tournament.
The clay-court part of the season starts with the ATP 1000 event in Monte Carlo for most of the players, and Nadal is one of them, as he enjoyed massive success at the tournament over the years.
However, that won't be the case in 2024. Former world no. 21, John Lloyd, recently predicted that Nadal won't get a nice send-off, and unfortunately, it's becoming a not-so-wild guess.
While the Spaniard's motivation to compete in the hard-court tournaments could have been doubted, the fact that he won't play in Monaco suggests that he's not fit, and his statement struck that tone.
"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."
The 22-time major winner used words "you have no idea how hard this is for me," showing that he would really like to play, but his body just doesn't permit him to do so.
"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. You have no idea how hard this is for me to not be able to play these events."
He will now keep practicing to prepare for the Roland Garros, which without a doubt, will be the most important tournament for him in 2024.
"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!"