‘I can’t lie to myself and thousands of fans’ cries Rafael Nadal as tennis legend posts emotional statement

RAFAEL NADAL has released an emotional statement confirming his withdrawal from Indian Wells.

The Spaniard, 37, has been missing from the tour since suffering a muscular injury during Brisbane in January.

GettyRafael Nadal has withdrawn from Indian Wells[/caption]

GettyThe Spaniard, 37, played an exhibition match in Las Vegas last weekend[/caption]

The Aussie 250 event is the only tournament Nadal has played since picking up a serious hip issue against Britain’s Jack Draper in Melbourne 14 months ago.

He had planned to return in Doha last month, but was forced to withdraw from the event.

Nadal’s name was in the draw for Indian Wells and he was initially scheduled to face Milos Raonic tonight.

Taking to Instagram, however, the 22-time major champion confirmed: “It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament.

“Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I love to play here at Indian Wells. That’s also one of the reasons why I came very early to the desert to practice and try to get ready.

“I have been working hard and practising and you all know I took a test this weekend but I don’t find myself ready to play at the highest level at such an important event.

“It is not an easy decision, it’s a tough one as a matter of fact but I can’t lie to myself and lie to the thousands of fans.

“I will miss you all and I am sure the tournament will be a great success.”

Nadal has been replaced in the draw by lucky loser Sumit Nagal.

The three-time Indian Wells singles’ champion featured in the “Netflix Slam” against Carlos Alcaraz last Sunday – a lucrative exhibition match played in Las Vegas.

He lost 3-6, 6-4, 14-12 to Alcaraz, who himself was coming off an ankle injury sustained in Rio last month.

Nadal is not on the entry list to play in Miami later this month.

Should he not play on beyond Roland Garros or this summer’s Olympic Games, his withdrawal from Indian Wells means that he will never play a competitive match on a hard court again.

Nadal could make his next appearance on the clay at the Monte Carlo Masters, which kicks off on April 7.

The King of Clay will feel instantly at home at the Monte Carlo Country Club, having won the tournament 11 times.

https://www.instagram.com/rafaelnadal/?hl=enNadal linked up with Carlos Alcaraz and Andre Agassi in Vegas[/caption]

Nadal has won three Indian Wells men’s singles event three timesGetty Images – Getty