Rafael Nadal pulls out of Italian Open

Rafael Nadal announced on Friday that he will not take part in the upcoming Italian Open.

File Photo of Rafael Nadal. | Photo Credit: AP

Rafael Nadal announced on Friday that he will not take part in the upcoming Italian Open.

“I am very sorry to announce that I will not be able to be in Rome. You all know how much it hurts me to miss another one of the tournaments that has a place in my career as a professional and a person as well as for the support my Italian fans show me,“ tweeted Nadal.

¡Hola a todos!
Siento mucho anunciar que no voy a poder estar en Roma. Todos sabéis cuánto me duele perderme otro de los torneos que han marcado mi carrera profesional y personal por todo el cariño y apoyo de los tifosi italianos. pic.twitter.com/attH8MQWU4

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) May 5, 2023

“Despite noting an improvement in recent days, it has been several months since I have been able to train at a high level,” he wrote. “The re-adaptation process needs its time, and I don’t have any choice other than to accept that.”

Nadal, nursing a left hip injury, has been out of action since the Australian Open in January. This has seen the 22-time Grand Slam Champion drop out of the ATP Top 10.

Questions over the Spaniards fitness have raised concerns that he might not be fit to play the French Open, a title he’s lifted 14 times in his career.

Recently, he also pulled out of the Barcelona Open.