Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from Indian Wells just a day before his scheduled first-round match against Milos Raonic on Frida.
At the age of 37, Nadal made his much-anticipated comeback at the Brisbane International in January, following nearly a year on the sidelines due to injury.
However, he suffered a hip injury during the tournament, forcing him to withdraw from the Australian Open.
Despite playing an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, Nadal admitted that he does not feel prepared “to compete at the highest level” just yet.
“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament,” the 22-time Grand Slam winner wrote on Instagram.
“Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I love to play here at Indian Wells. That’s also one of the reasons why I came very early to the desert to practice and try to get ready.”
In May, after being forced to miss the French Open for the first time in 19 years, Nadal said 2024 would “probably” be the final year of his career.
Last month, the former world number one said he was unsure of how many tournaments he would be able to compete in before retiring, but added that it was “not going to be many”.
“I have been working hard and practicing and you all know I took a test this weekend but I don’t find myself ready to play at the highest level at such an important event,” Nadal, a three-time winner at Indian Wells, said on Thursday.
“It is not an easy decision, it’s a tough one as a matter of fact but I can’t lie to myself and lie to the thousands of fans. I will miss you all and I am sure the tournament will be a great success.”
Nadal is expected to participate in his next tournament, which will likely take place on his preferred clay surface at the Monte Carlo Masters next month, a tournament where he has clinched the title 11 times.