Rafa Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz have both announced their withdrawals from the Monte Carlo Masters in what’s being described as ‘Black Tuesday’ by Spanish media. Nadal hasn’t played since his second-round exit from the Australian Open in January in which he suffered a hip injury.
The 22-time grand slam champion initially said he’d miss between six and eight weeks as he recovered, and was hopeful of being back for Indian Wells and Miami. However he missed both ATP 1000 events, and announced on Tuesday that he won’t be able to the play the upcoming clay-court event in Monte Carlo either.
“Hi everyone, I’m still not ready to compete at the highest level,” the 36-year-old tweeted. “I will not be able to play in one of the most important tournaments of my career, Monte Carlo.”
The clay-court event serves as a key lead-up tournament to the French Open. Nadal has won the Monte Carlo Masters a record 11 times, and the French Open a staggering 14 times.
Earlier this month, Nadal shut down reports that he would be playing in Monte Carlo. “I don’t know who gets this information,” he said. “Obviously if it were true, I would confirm it, but unfortunately I can’t. I’m following my course and I don’t know when I’ll play again, that’s the truth.
“I’m in a phase of increasing work. If I knew when I was going to return, I would say so, but I don’t know. I can’t confirm that I will play in Monte Carlo, things are seen day-by-day. I prefer to say things when I really know them.”
Nadal’s injury lay-off has seen him fall to World No.14 in the rankings. It marks the first time since 2005 that he hasn’t been ranked in the top 10.
