Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters, dealing a blow to his preparations for a shot at a record-extending 15th French Open title.
The 36-year-old Spaniard announced his decision via Twitter on Tuesday, saying he was still not ready to compete at the highest level. “Hi everyone, I’m still not ready to compete at the highest level,” he tweeted.
Nadal has won the Monte Carlo tournament 11 times and hoped to return from a hip flexor injury sustained during the Australian Open in January.
He has also pulled out of the hard-court tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami. Nadal’s last appearance in Monte Carlo was in 2019, where he lost in the semifinals to eventual champion Fabio Fognini
