Rafael Nadal pulls out of Monte Carlo Masters to postpone comeback as injury concerns grow | Tennis | Sport

Rafael Nadal has officially withdrawn from the Monte Carlo Masters, delaying his return to competition. The world No 14 has not competed since getting injured at the Australian Open in January. He revealed that he still wasn’t “ready” to compete without risking another setback, raising concerns over his ongoing injury woes.

Nadal has officially pulled out of next week’s Monte Carlo Masters with five days before main draw action begins. The Spaniard has been aiming to make a comeback on the clay but recently shut down reports that his participation in Monte Carlo had been confirmed.

After revealing that he didn’t know when he would be ready to return, the 36-year-old has announced his withdrawal and admitted that he would continue trying to come back to the tour. “Unfortunately I am still not ready to compete and will miss one of those special tournaments I always love to play,” Nadal said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Monte Carlo is and has been a key event in my career, but unfortunately I will have to miss it again since I am still not ready to compete without the risk of getting injured. I will continue the process of getting ready to come back.”

It raises fresh concerns over his physical state, with Nadal admitting that he could still risk getting injured again if he competes. An 11-time title winner in Monte Carlo, Nadal reiterated that he wasn’t able to perform at his best yet.

“Hi everyone, I’m still not ready to compete at the highest level,” he tweeted shortly after the news of his withdrawal was announced. “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.”