Rafael Nadal has delayed his return to competitive tennis after pulling out of next week’s Monte Carlo Masters.
The former world No.1 hasn’t played on the Tour since suffering a second round loss at the Australian Open to Mckenzie Mcdonald in January. Nadal has been sidelined from action in recent weeks due to a hip injury which he is continuing to recover from. In a statement published on his social media account, the Spaniard confirmed that he is still not ready to play.
“I’m still not ready to compete at the highest level. I will not be able to play in one of the most important tournaments of my career, Monte Carlo.” Nadal wrote on social media. “I am not yet in a position to play with the maximum guarantees and I continue my preparation process, hoping to return soon.”
It is the second year in a row that Nadal has been forced to withdraw from Monte Carlo. Last year he was unable to play because of a stress fracture in his rib. He has won the tournament a record 11 times and overall has a win-loss record of 73-6.
The prime objective of the 36-year-old is to be fully fit for the French Open which will start at the end of May. He will be seeking to win Roland Garros for the 15th time in his career.
“I really hope to see you again this year at Roland-Garros, and I’ll try to be competitive,” Nadal said earlier this week after recieving a replica of the French Open trophy for his Rafa Nadal museum.
As a result of his injury-related hiatus from the sport, Nadal exited the top 10 last month for the first time since April 2005. He is currently ranked 14th in the world.
It is yet to be confirmed when Nadal will make his comeback but he is still entered to play in the Barcelona Open which begins on April 15th.
