After Indian Wells, Rafael Nadal withdraws also from Miami Open

Tuesday, 28 February 2023 at 21:30

Updated at Tuesday, 28 February 2023 at 21:22

byTom Grant

Fans of Rafael Nadal have been dealt a further blow after the Spaniard confirmed his withdrawal from the 2023 Miami Open as his injury woes continue.

Earlier on Tuesday, the 22-time Grand Slam champion announced he wouldn't be travelling to the Californian dessert to take part in the 2023 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells as he struggles to regain his fitness. And he later confirmed he wouldn't feature at the 'Sunshine Double' at all after pulling out of the Masters 1000 in Miami.

Posting on his social media channels, the 36-year-old insists he is working hard with his fitness team to be back in time for the European clay court swing. He said:

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"It’s been a while since I don’t communicate with you. Took my time off, started rehab, gym and physiotherapy as instructed by the doctors. Getting ready to come back the in the best conditions. I am sad that I won't be able to compete at Indian Wells nor Miami. I'll miss all my US fans but I hope to see them later this year during the summer swing."

— Nadal on Twitter

It's a cruel blow for the Spanish star and his followers and one that means he is almost certain to fall out of the ATP Top 10, ending a remarkable streak of being amongst the ten best players in the world since 2005.

Nadal didn't play Miami last year after withdrawing following his exerts in getting to the 2022 Indian Wells final - where he was beaten by Taylor Fritz. Ironically, it is likely it will be Fritz as the man who knocks Nadal out of the top ten.

The American only needs 10 ranking points between playing in Acapulco and Indian Wells to be on at least the 2715 points that Nadal will sit on after the two Masters events.

All eyes for Nadal now turn to doing his best to be ready for the upcoming clay court season, as he attempts to defend his French Open title at Roland Garros and move on to 23 major titles - one ahead of long-time rival Novak Djokovic.