Rafael Nadal just announced on Twitter he will not participate in the upcoming Qatar Open (ATP250 Doha) due to his health concerns, which are still on-going.
Nadal, now 37 years, made his long-awaited return at Brisbane earlier this year where he sustained a hip injury and missed the Australian Open. The former no 1 has now put his return to competitive tennis on hold and Qatar Open in Doha will not be his 2nd return, as he had hoped for.
“I would have loved to play in Doha”, says Nadal, and continues:
“Unfortunately I am not ready to compete and I won’t be able to come to Doha where I really wanted to be and play again after that unforgettable win in 2014.”
Exhibition Match Next
Rafa is now instead scheduled to join an exhibition match with Carlos Alcaraz on 3rd March, before he’ll (hopefully) be 100% fit for the hard-court Indian Wells tournament in California the month after.
“I will focus on keep working to be ready for the exhibition in Las Vegas and the amazing Indian Wells tournament”, Nadal continues.
Are we seeing the end of this amazing career or can he compete at the highest level still? Nadal has himself indicated this year might be the last of his career. Hopefully we’ll manage to see the best of him again in the majors in the coming months.
I would have loved to play in Doha, where the tournament team, as well as the amazing Qatar fans have always supported me greatly. Unfortunately I am not ready to compete and I won’t be able to come to Doha where I really wanted to be and play again after that unforgettable win… pic.twitter.com/U4GUvIITcr
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) February 14, 2024
