Sports News | Rafael Nadal Becomes Latest to Pull out of Miami Open
Get latest articles and stories on Sports at LatestLY. Rafael Nadal has become the latest big draw to pull out of the Miami Open.
Miami Gardens, Mar 13 (AP) Rafael Nadal has become the latest big draw to pull out of the Miami Open.
Nadal is a five-time finalist at the event but hasn't played in Miami since 2017. His absence means that neither of the winners of this year's first Grand Slam event will be in the tournament; he won the Australian Open for his record-setting 21st major title, and women's champion Ashleigh Barty also withdrew earlier this month.
Also Read | Indian Wells 2022: Rafael Nadal Performs Great Escape Against Sebastian Korda to Advance.
Nadal's decision came three days after Novak Djokovic announced that he wouldn't be playing at Indian Wells or Miami because he is unvaccinated and can't travel to the United States.
"Rafa will certainly be missed. He has so many fans here in South Florida, and we hope to see him back in Miami next year,” Miami tournament director James Blake said.
Nadal, who is playing Indian Wells, is currently ranked No. 4 in the world. He was a Miami finalist in 2005, 2008, 2011, 2014 and 2007 — with all those events taking place at the tournament's former South Florida home on Key Biscayne.
The Miami Open starts March 21. (AP)
(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)