World number two Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the Mexican Open after a recurrence of the injury that saw him retire from January’s Australian Open.

The 16-time grand slam champion was due to face fellow Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in the opening round on Wednesday in Acapulco.

Nadal retired in the fifth set of his quarter-final against Marin Cilic in Melbourne last month with a hip injury.

“My goal and hope was to play in this tournament,” said the 31-year-old.

“Unfortunately, in my last training session yesterday, I felt a sharp pain in my leg again.”