Rafael Nadal has confirmed he will not be competing at the Monte Carlo Masters.
Rafa, who has won 11 times in Monte Carlo, had been hoping to make his return from a hip injury at the ATP Masters 1000 event, which starts next week.
The 36-year-old has not played since going out to Mackenzie McDonald in the second round of the Australian Open in January.
Rafa previously cast doubt on his status for Monte Carlo last month, and on Tuesday he announced he will be unable to participate.
“Hi everyone, I’m still not ready to compete at the highest level,” Rafa tweeted.
“I will not be able to play in one of the most important tournaments of my career, Monte Carlo.
“I am not yet in a position to play with the maximum guarantees and I continue my preparation process, hoping to return soon.”
Rafa’s latest setback is another blow in his preparations for the French Open, which starts at the end of May.
The Spaniard, who dominated in Monte Carlo between 2005 and 2012, has slipped down to number 14 in the ATP world rankings.
Source: PA News Agency
Get better Rafa, you are really missed.
I have no updates….I’m just feeling bad about Rafa….I miss watching him …pure and simple…
I know I’m not alone in my feelings… We just have to stay positive that we get to see him on court again… I know that’s what he’s working towards… I know he will be back…
Patience Marileena, patience,,,,
Rafa be made stronger and return soon to winning ways and be protected from injury in Jesus name. Amen. Prayed
Disappointed but most important – Rafa get well!!! Miss you!
🍀🍀❤️🍀🍀
Bad news😒
Get well soon Rafa. We miss you.
Miss you playing
Monte Carlo has always been special to you. It will not be meaningful without you on that
clay court, but we want you well. All the best in your recovery, Rafa👍👏💪🤛🎾🍀❤️
All the Best to you Rafa, get well soon!!
So sorry that you have to pull out of monte carlo hope to see you soon 😊 ❤ 😘
Take your time, Rafa. Use this period as a time for reflection. When you’re ready, you will know it and you’ll be aiming for perfection once again.
Doctors and that are doing what they can on a physical level. We, fans are able to approach this spiritually. Let’s all pray for our hero. It has been said time and again – “more things are wrought by prayer than this world thinks of”.
That’s right, Julieta. You can’t be more correct there. Prayers can work miracles, and there is no person more deserving of prayers than our guy Rafa.
I also agree with you there
Heal well Rafa and come back when you know the time is right and we will all be waiting. You are missed so very much 💕
No one knows their body better than you and your team Rafa.Hopefully you will still be able to play in The French Open.Good luck.
😞 A huge disappointment for Rafa fans…however we all just want him to be completely well before he returns. I have 17 wonderful years of memories & Rafa is always just one thought away! There is so much chaos in the world right now I was so looking forward to watching Rafa & taking a break from it all Rafa brings me happiness & I really miss him! Let’s hope he will be ready for RG! ❤️❤️❤️
Well I’m glad that he’s looking after himself. Think it’s abit concerning that he’s still not at a competitive level, but perhaps coming back from a hip flexor injury is more complicated than we know, especially with how hard Rafa plays. Plus there’s no doubt that it takes the body longer to heal with age. But I think he’s wise to wait till he feels he can really compete before returning to play.
All good things come to an end. Thank you for many years of wonderful tennis watching. Is your body telling you it is time to put away racket?
Hoping that he’s going to be OK for the rest of the clay court season.
Miss you terribly on court. Heal up and come back and win! Blessings always ♥️ Rafa!
All the best always, Rafa❤️
Hope you are playing soon