Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from an exhibition match scheduled for March 5 in Las Vegas, indicating a probable late withdrawal from Indian Wells. The Spaniard was scheduled to compete in the MGM Rewards Championship “The SLAM, Presented by Chase Sapphire” is slated for the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday, March 5, with Carlos Alcaraz.
On Friday, the tournament confirmed Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal and added Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe.
The Spaniard has been out of play since his second-round loss to Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open, when he sustained a grade 2 injury to his left hip flexor. He has lately withdrawn from February tournaments in Doha and Dubai as he continues to recover from an injury.
The BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells takes place from March 6 to 19, and the 36-year-old Nadal, who has a 59-11 overall record, is a three-time champion.
Nadal said the following statement recently:
“I am very sad for not being able to come to Vegas and play in this amazing event with Carlos at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Unfortunately, the timing of my recovery doesn’t make it possible to be there ready to play. I am sure that we will find another date to celebrate this event and have fun. I would like to thank the fans and event organizers who have been in contact with me all the time, showed a lot of support and have been extremely understanding.”