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Rafael Nadal will miss the ATP tournament in Doha, scheduled for the next few days, and then return to the court for the BNP Paribas Open 2024, first ATP Masters 1000 of the season played on the hard-courts of Indian Wells. Nadal released a statement on his social media accounts, explaining the reasons for his choice.
"I would have really liked to play in Doha where both the organizers and the Qatari fans have always been fantastic and have given me so much support. Unfortunately, however, I am not ready to compete and I will not be able to come to Doha where I really wanted to be and come back to play afterwards that unforgettable victory in 2014. I will focus on continuing to work to be ready for the next performance in Las Vegas and the Indian Wells tournament," he explained.
As mentioned, the Spanaird should return to compete at the ATP Masters 1000 in California, so much so that the outfit with which Rafael Nadal should play at Indian Wells has already been revealed.
This is a pale red t-shirt and very pale pink shorts, tending towards white. The colors of the Nike logo and the Nadal logo will be in reverse colors on the t-shirts and shorts. The Nike shoes are black with pale red inserts.
And after Indian Wells, Rafa's beloved caly-swing, where he will decide his fate
Nadal has certified his desire to return first to Las Vegas and then to Indian Wells but in the meantime doubts and rumors are swirling about his future, especially his possible retirement.
Speaking with Cadena Cope, the Spanish champion discussed many topics, clarifying his physical condition and his future priorities.
"Why don't I compete in Doha? The sensations are not very good and I can't risk it. I arrived in Doha very early, I did intense training but I didn't play any sets. In Brisbane, for example, I was prepared, here I wasn't. The risk was too great. What I wanted to be my program will not be possible and let's be clear, what I want is very different from what I will do.
My dream is to play in acceptable conditions on clay and my decision is aimed at this. I hope to play in Madrid although obviously I will play as much as I can and following my reality.
I don't want to lose sight of the Roland Garros, I will take the risks possible to be in Paris in the best condition. Win it? Today it's complicated to think about winning, but I want to get there trying to have fun and I'm excited to have this chance.
Of course, if I thought I had no chance of winning the Roland Garros, I think I would do other things. I'll go day by day about the retirement and I can't confirm anything 100% yet. I will say before the Roland Garros whether this will be my last season or not, I'll give myself a few more months to reflect."