Del Potro follows Nadal in missing Miami Open

Knee injuries have prevented Juan Martin del Potro and Rafael Nadal taking their place in the draw in Miami.

World number eight Juan Martin del Potro

Juan Martin del Potro has followed Rafael Nadal in pulling out of the Miami Open due to a knee injury.

Del Potro suffered a fracture of his right patella last October and has played just three matches this season.

The Argentine was unable to defend his Indian Wells Masters title last week and is not ready to return in Miami this week.

"Unfortunately I won't be able to play in Miami this year. Looking forward to coming back in 2020!" he tweeted.

Nadal withdrew in Indian Wells ahead of a mouth-watering semifinal against Roger Federer due to pain in his right knee.

The world number two is expected to be back in action on clay at the Monte-Carlo Masters next month.

Lamentablemente no podré jugar el @miamiopen este año por mi lesión de rodilla. Espero verlos el año próximo

Unfortunately I won't be able to play in Miami this year. Looking forward to coming back in 2020!

— Juan M. del Potro (@delpotrojuan) March 17, 2019