Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the upcoming Monte-Carlo Masters with injury.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion was sidelined for almost all of 2023 and saw his return in January of this year last only three matches.
The 37-year-old opted out of the Australian Open after suffering a muscle injury before pulling out of Indian Wells and now withdrawing from Monte-Carlo, a tournament he has won on 11 occasions previously.
This latest setback comes just six weeks ahead of the French Open. Nadal is a record 14-time champion at Roland Garros.
“These are very difficult moments for me, sporting wise,” Nadal wrote on social media. “Unfortunately I have to tell you that I am not going to be playing in Monte Carlo. My body simply won’t allow me.
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. pic.twitter.com/BEi0UUe1au
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) April 4, 2024
“Even if I am working hard and 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.
“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.”
The French Open begins in Paris on May 20.
GO DEEPER
Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and the hunt for a graceful and glorious exit
(Chris Hyde/Getty Images)