No surprise at all but it’s official: Rafael Nadal is out of the Miami Masters. 

RAFA: “I’m very sorry for the organization of the tournament and I’m very sorry for the fans, but we never thought we’d be able to play all matches possible since I came back. The doctors recommend me to be back home for a few weeks and rest a little bit and keep practicing the right way. I need more power on the left leg quadriceps, so I need to keep working hard. The competition is hard for the body, so after four fantastic weeks I can’t go to Miami. I need to prepare and rest for the next one.”

“We are disappointed to hear the news that Rafael Nadal will not be competing in Miami this year, especially given his strong results since his return to the Tour,” tournament director Adam Barrett said in a statement. “He is a tremendous ambassador for the game and has thousands of adoring fans here in South Florida.  We wish him well and hope to see him back in Miami next year.”

After his participation in Indian Wells Rafa is expected to return to play the Masters Series event in Monaco in April before also competing in Barcelona, Madrid and Rome before the French Open begins at Roland Garros in Paris on May 26. VAMOS RAFA!