Rafael Nadal pulls out of Indian Wells; last played in Australia

Associated PressFebruary 28, 2023 - 1:02pm

Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during his second round match against Mackenzie McDonald of the U.S., at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023. (AP)

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) — Rafael Nadal pulled out of the upcoming Indian Wells hard-court tournament on Tuesday because of the left hip flexor injury that has sidelined him since the Australian Open.

The California tournament announced the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s withdrawal.

Nadal is a three-time winner at the BNP Paribas Open, where main draw play begins on March 8.

The 36-year-old from Spain hurt his hip flexor during a second-round loss at Melbourne Park to Mackenzie McDonald of the United States in January.

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