The upcoming 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters will be devoid of its 11-time crowning champion Rafael Nadal who in a recent statement confessed his sheer discomfort pulling out from the tournament.
The former world No. who hasn’t attended a single competitive championship ever since his early exit from the Australian Open 2023 earlier this season after he countered a reoccurring hip injury, has been in a recovery phase and is not looking to make a comeback anytime soon.
Often prey to numerous injuries which has resulted in Rafa opting out of tournaments from time to time is still unsure about when he can ascertain his return to the ATP Tour this season, stressing fans and the global tennis community.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion took to his social media to announce his deepest sorrows for not being to compete in the tournament this year, mentioning he is still skeptical about his recovery and isn’t 100% to battle for the title.
In an Instagram story he uploaded earlier, the Spaniard began by saying “Hello everyone, I am still not prepared to compete at the highest level so I will not be able to play in one of the most important tournaments of my career, Monte Carlo. Unfortunately, I am not yet able to play with maximum guarantees.”
“I continue my process of recovery and preparation, hoping to return to competition soon,” concluded Rafa in hopes for him to return at his full potential once the effects of the hip injury he sustained wear off.
The Spaniard, however, is not the only player who has announced his withdrawal from the competition which has led to the first clay ATP Masters 1000 tournament of the season void of major players.
Felix Auger-Aliassime and Carlos Alcaraz withdraw from the 2023 Monte-Carlo along with Rafael Nadal
Two other players linked to Rafael Nadal have given their names withdrawing from the 2023 Monte-Carlo tournament, namely Carlos Alcaraz and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Alcaraz has on numerous occasions been termed as the next generation Rafa owing to the similarity of his skillset with the 22-time Grand Slam champion in his withdrawal statement has addressed the reason for his absence from the tournament this season due to suffering from post-traumatic arthritis he was diagnosed with after his semi-final exit at the Indian Wells 2023.
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After making their withdrawal announcement, Felix Auger-Aliassime was next in line. The 22-year-old Canadian player who has been training at the Rafa Nadal Academy for quite some time now and is coached by Rafa’s uncle Toni Nadal expressed his sorrow for retiring from the tournament after suffering issues surrounding his left knee.