Tennis star Rafael Nadal has announced that he will not be competing in the upcoming Monte-Carlo Masters due to ongoing issues with his body.
Nadal has been working on his fitness in Mallorca after a year-long break from the sport, but his return in January was short-lived, with his body not able to handle the rigours of top-level tennis.
The 37-year-old has won the Monte-Carlo Masters on 11 occasions, but it seems his bid for a 15th French Open title may also be in jeopardy if he is unable to get his body back into shape soon.
Nadal expressed his disappointment in a statement on social media on Thursday, acknowledging the difficulty of the situation.
“These are very difficult moments for me, sporting wise,” Nadal’s statement partly read.
“Unfortunately I have to tell you that I am not going to be playing in Monte-Carlo. My body simply won’t allow me.”