Rafael Nadal’s return to action has been delayed further after the Spanish tennis star withdrew from the Indian Wells tournament due to injury.
The world number two, who has been out of action since the Australian Open in January, was due to make his comeback at the California event but has been forced to pull out due to a knee injury.
Nadal has been struggling with the injury since the start of the year and had been hoping to make his return at Indian Wells. However, the Spaniard has been forced to delay his comeback after being advised by doctors to rest and recover.
The 32-year-old has been a regular at the Indian Wells tournament, having won the event three times in the past. He was due to face qualifier Radu Albot in the second round but will now have to wait until the Miami Open in March to make his return.
Nadal’s withdrawal is a blow to the tournament, which was hoping to welcome back one of its most successful players. The Spaniard is one of the most popular players on the ATP Tour and his absence will be felt by fans and players alike.
Nadal’s injury is a setback for the Spaniard, who was hoping to make a strong start to the season. He will now have to wait until the Miami Open to make his return and will be hoping to make a full recovery in time for the clay court season.