Rafael Nadal withdraws from Monte-Carlo Masters 2024 as injury struggles continue: “You have no idea how hard this is for me”

Despite his efforts, Rafael Nadal’s return to the tour has once again been delayed, as the Spanish player announced his regretful withdrawal from the 2024 Monte-Carlo Masters on Thursday.

Despite being in what could be his last year as a professional tennis player, Nadal has only participated in one tournament this season. He had to withdraw from the Australian Open after sustaining an injury at the Brisbane International, where he was set to kick off his year. Despite being a 22-time Grand Slam champion, Nadal’s injury has limited his playing time this season.

Despite being anticipated to return for the Middle East Swing and the Sunshine Double, he withdrew from each event citing his lack of full fitness to compete at the top level. Now that the clay season has begun, his comeback is highly anticipated, beginning with the Monte-Carlo tournament, which he has won 11 times already.

Despite the disappointment of his fans, the Mallorcan once again shared on social media that his body is still not able to participate, breaking their hearts once more.

“Hi all, these are very difficult moments for me, sporting wise. Unfortunately I have to tell you that I am not going to be playing in Monte Carlo. My body simply won’t allow me,”Nadal wrote.

Despite his best intentions, Nadal expressed deep emotion as he struggled to find words to describe the difficulty of skipping these events. He also acknowledged that, despite his desire to play, the truth was that he was unable to do so.

“And even if I am working hard & making the maximum effort every day with all the will to play and compete again at tournaments that have been very important for me, the truth is that I can’t play today. You have no idea how hard this is for me to not be able to play these events,”he added.

“Nadal stated that he must accept the situation and maintain his enthusiasm and determination to continue playing, in hopes of a better future.”