Novak Djokovic gives honest response to Rafael Nadal pulling out of another event injured
Novak Djokovic has shared his thoughts on Rafael Nadal’s disappointing withdrawal after the Spaniard was forced to pull out of Indian Wells ahead of his opening match. The 37-year-old has not played since the beginning of January after facing multiple setbacks in his return. Before that, Nadal spent a year on the sidelines with a left psoas injury.
Nadal’s woes continued when his body caused him to pull out of another tournament. The former world No. 1 arrived early in Indian Wells, hoping to play just his second event of the season. But he announced that he wasn’t yet ready to play at the highest level 24 hours before he was due to contest his first-round match.
The 22-time Major champion returned in Brisbane at the start of the season following a year-long injury layoff. He looked promising in his first two matches before he picked up a fresh injury that forced him out of the Australian Open. Since then, Nadal has also withdrawn from Doha and Indian Wells.
One of Nadal’s greatest rivals has now given his honest response to the Spaniard’s latest setback, as Djokovic weighed in on the news that the 37-year-old wouldn’t be playing in California. “It’s sad for the tournament that Rafa had to withdraw and also for him,” the world No. 1 said ahead of the tournament.
