Nadal Withdraws From Madrid

Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Mutua Madrid Open, with the five-time champion revealing that he is not ready to return to competitive action following the leg injury he suffered at the Australian Open in January.

“The last few weeks and months have been difficult,” Nadal said in a video published on social media on Thursday. “As you know, I picked up a significant injury in Australia, to my psoas. First it was going to be a six to eight-week recovery period, we’re in the 14th week and the reality is that the situation is not what we expected.

“In any case, I have followed the medical advice but the progress has not been as they told us at the beginning. We find ourselves in a difficult situation, the weeks are passing by. I was excited to play in the most important tournaments in my career such as Monte-Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Roland Garros. So far, I’ve missed Monte-Carlo and Barcelona and I also wanted to tell you that I won’t be able to be in Madrid.”

Hola a todos. Hace un tiempo que no me comunico directamente con vosotros. Han sido unas semanas y unos meses difíciles. Como sabéis me hice una una lesión importante en Australia, en el Psoas. pic.twitter.com/m0TbsGFn5t

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) April 20, 2023

The Mutua Madrid Open will be the third tournament of the clay swing that Nadal has missed due to injury.

“Unfortunately, the injury has still not healed and I can’t work on what I need to in order to compete,” said Nadal, who withdrew from Monte-Carlo and Barcelona earlier this month.

Despite attempts to come back as quickly as possible, the Spaniard is erring on the side of caution and intends to return to competition when he is fit enough to do so.

“I was training, but a few days ago we decided to change course, try another treatment, and see if things improve to try and be ready for what is to come. I can’t specify time periods because if I knew them I would tell you, but I don’t know. Given the current situation, I wanted to inform you,” Nadal said.