Rafael Nadal withdraws from BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, citing form

Another big tennis tournament has arrived, and it won't include Rafael Nadal.

The 37-year-old announced over social media on Wednesday night—a day before he was scheduled to play Milos Raonic—that he was withdrawing from the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

Nadal will be replaced in the draw by lucky loser Sumit Nagal.

"It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament," wrote Nadal on Instagram. "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 practicing 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. Rafael Nadal

Nadal has indicated that 2024 will be his last season on tour, but he has only played three tour-level matches this year. After reaching the quarterfinal round in Brisbane, he withdrew from the Australian Open with continued hip concerns. He was on the Doha entry list, but pulled out from the mid-February hard-court event.

After playing an exhibition match against compatriot Carlos Alcaraz just prior to the BNP Paribas Open, he was slated to play Raonic in Thursday night's marquee match-up. His tour return will have to wait.

The tournament announced that fans who purchased tickets for Thursday night's session "may contact the box office regarding a refund."

“We are disappointed that Rafa is unable to play in the BNP Paribas Open, but we wish him continued healing and hope he can be back in action again soon,” said BNP Paribas Open Tournament Director Tommy Haas. “He is one of the all-time fan favorites here, and we hope to see him back in Indian Wells again in the future.”

"I will miss you all," wrote Nadal, "and I am sure the tournament will be a great success."

It's worth considering whether we will ever see Nadal play a tournament in the United States again. A withdrawal from the upcoming Miami Masters would not at all be a suprise, with the Spaniard's focus surely on the clay-court season and Roland Garros—where the Summer Olympics will also be held.

Nadal's last tournament on American soil came at the 2022 US Open, where he lost to Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round. He is a three-time champion at Indian Wells, and has never won Miami.

"I don't know if he'll be back," said Lindsay Davenport about the question, on Tennis Channel.

Nadal's upcoming schedule has not been revealed, but should he wish to play at any clay-court event leading up to Roland Garros, he'll be welcomed with open arms. He is a 14-time French Open champion and unequivocally the greatest player on the game's slowest surface.

"We'll blink and we'll be in Paris," said Jim Courier after the announcement. "Hopefully we'll be seeing Rafa there in the flesh, and not just that beautiful statue of him there."