Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the 2024 Qatar Open in Doha, stating that he is “not ready to compete yet.” Nadal stated that he will focus on his preparations for the exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas and the Indian Wells Masters in March.
The former World No. 1 has been dealing with a hip ailment, forcing him to miss the majority of the 2023 season, including the French Open, Wimbledon Championships, and US Open.
The Spaniard made his long-awaited comeback at the Brisbane International in January 2024, reaching the quarterfinals before losing to Jordan Thompson in an exciting three-set match. He then missed the Australian Open owing to an injury incurred in Brisbane.
Nadal was hoping to return to action at the Qatar Open, which begins February 19. However, on Wednesday, February 14, the Spaniard announced on his Instagram account that he is still not healthy enough to compete and has opted to withdraw from the event.
“Hello, everyone. After posting the videos and images, I’ve been working to go back to playing as soon as possible. I’d love to play in Doha next week, but I’m not ready to compete yet,” the Spaniard wrote.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion expressed gratitude to the event organizers and supporters in Qatar for their support, saying he would miss them.
“Very grateful to the tournament team in Qatar, who has always had all kinds of attentions towards me and my team. 🙏🏻 Also to all the fans who have always cheered me up tremendously and whom I will miss,” he said in a statement.
In better news for his fans, Nadal announced that he will try to be ready for an exhibition match against his compatriot and World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas on March 3. The exhibition match, known as “The Netflix Slam,” will be presented by MGM Resorts International and televised on Netflix.
The Spaniard also stated that he was excited to participate at the Indian Wells Masters, where he has won three titles (2007, 2009, 2013.
“Continuing prep for the show in Las Vegas with @carlitosalcarazz and then on to the Indian Wells Spectacular Tournament,” he captioned the tweet.
A look at Rafael Nadal’s performance in singles and doubles at the Qatar Open over the years.
Rafael Nadal has had mixed results at the Qatar Open in Doha. Nadal has competed in the ATP 250 competition eight times, winning one singles title and four doubles titles.
Nadal reached the quarterfinals in singles on his debut in 2005 and again in 2009, losing to Ivan Ljubicic and Gael Monfils, respectively. However, the Spaniard won doubles crowns in his first two outings, collaborating with Albert Costa and Marc Lopez.
In 2010, the 37-year-old reached his maiden singles final in Doha, but lost to Nikolay Davydenko in three sets. In addition, he had an early exit in his doubles campaign.
The next year, the 22-time Grand Slam champion won his third doubles title in Doha with Lopez, but lost in the singles semifinals to Davydenko. In 2012, the Spaniard reached the semifinals again, but lost in straight sets to eventual runner-up Gael Monfils. However, he did not play in doubles.
The 37-year-old claimed his first singles title in Doha in 2014, overcoming Monfils in a three-set thriller. He also advanced to the quarterfinals in doubles with partner Francisco Roig.
In 2015, the 22-time Grand Slam champion had his poorest singles performance, losing in three sets against Michael Berrer. On the other side, the Spaniard won his fourth doubles title in Doha with partner Juan Monaco.
Rafael Nadal last played at the Qatar Open in 2016, reaching the singles final but losing to Novak Djokovic in straight sets. He also played doubles alongside Fernando Verdasco, but lost in the first round.
