INDIAN WELLS, United States: Rafael Nadal withdrew from the ATP-WTA Indian Wells Masters on Wednesday, abandoning his comeback from injury on the eve of his opening match.
"It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament at Indian Wells," Nadal said in a statement.
"I have been working hard... but I don't find myself ready to play at the highest level at such an important event."
The 22-time Grand Slam champion had hoped to make his return to tennis at the tournament in the California desert after injuring his hip earlier this year.
The 37-year-old Spanish icon has not played since early January. --AFP