Rafael Nadal has confirmed he won't compete at the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters as his body "simply won't allow me".
The former world No. 1 has not competed at an ATP Tour event since his return to the court in January in Brisbane. He's since pulled out of the Australian Open, Qatar Open and Indian Wells with the Spaniard now set to be absent from another prestigious tournament.
Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slams, has emerged victorious in Monaco a staggering 11 times but will miss out as his start to the clay court season is disrupted. The 37-year-old has been a relentless winner of the French Open, but questions will be asked of his fitness as the road to Paris begins.
He's confessed in a statement on social media that he won't compete, which was no easy decision, but is relishing the opportunity to return to the court.
Nadal said on Instagram : "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. 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.
Rafael Nadal sends upbeat message amid worrying form ahead of Australian Open
"You have no idea how hard this is for me to not be able to play these events. The only thing I can do is to accept the situation and try to look at the immediate future keeping the excitement and will to play in order to give me a chance for things to get better. Thanks again to all, as always, for all the support and best wishes!"
The Spaniard has missed a number of major events this year (AFP via Getty Images)The French Open gets underway on May 20, meaning Nadal has just over six weeks to get in the required shape to compete at a Grand Slam. He could also return to Roland Garros later in the summer with the Olympics due to be played there.
Nadal has confessed in a social media video that 2024 could prove to be his final year on tour as he gave no guarantees about how often he'll play or how long he'll last. "There are many chances that it will be my last year without any doubt," he said.
"There are chances that it may only be half a year, there are possibilities that it may be a full year, there are possibilities that we may not be able to reach all that."
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