Rafael Nadal "not ready to compete," won't return at Qatar Open in Doha

Rafael Nadal will not, as it turns out, return to action at next week's Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha.

The 37-year-old, who last played in Brisbane, before pulling out of the Australian Open, made the announcement on social media on Wednesday:

Rafa's participation in Doha was something of a surprise when it was first discussed at the Australian Open by former player and Eurosport commentator Laura Robson. Many believed Nadal would wait until the clay-court season to come back, but by late January, he was indeed on the Doha entry list.

Nadal had regularly been providing updates—and evidence—of his progress: since January 31, there have been five Instagram posts of him on the tennis court, two Reels of him in the gym, and even a video of him swimming:

So while today's announcement comes as another surprise, it could be the norm during a season that is widely believed to be the Spaniard's last. Nadal will excercise the utmost caution, choosing only to compete when he feels the risk is worth it.

For now, that means trying to return in time for two March events: an exhibition in Las Vegas with compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, and the BNP Paribas Open, at Indian Wells.