Nadal pulls out of Madrid Open due to injury concerns

ISTANBUL

Rafael Nadal on Thursday said he will not be able to participate in the Madrid Open as he continues to focus on returning to full recovery from an injury.

"As you know I suffered an important injury in Australia of the psoas (muscle). Initially it had to be a six to eight week recovery period, and we are now on 14," the 36-year-old said in a video message.

"The weeks are passing and I had the illusion of being able to play in tournaments that are the most important in my career such as Monte Carlo, Barcelona, ​​Madrid, Rome, Roland Garros and for the moment I have missed Monte Carlo and Barcelona. I will not be able to be in Madrid unfortunately," he added.

Nadal has not played since losing in the Australian Open second round in January, experiencing a left hip injury against Mackenzie McDonald.

The 22-time Grand Slam singles winner had already withdrawn from Indian Wells, the Miami Open, and the Monte Carlo Masters.

The 2023 Madrid Open will be held from April 25 to May 7.