Organizer of Monte Carlo Masters speaks on Nadal withdrawal

The Monte Carlo Masters expressed their sadness over Rafael Nadal's withdrawal and expressed hope to see their record 11-time champion return to the tournament in 2024.

On Tuesday, Nadal announced he was withdrawing from Monte Carlo.

Nadal, 36, suffered a hip injury at the Australian Open and he hasn't played since. Nadal was targeting to return to action in Monte Carlo, where he has enjoyed lots of success throughout his career. "Sadly our 11-time champion won't be playing this year.

Hopefully see you next year, @RafaelNadal," the Monte Carlo Masters said in a statement.

In his statement, Nadla said he didn't feel ready yet to compete at the highest level possible.

"Hi everyone, I'm still not ready to compete at the highest level. I will not be able to play in one of the most important tournaments of my career, Monte Carlo. I am not yet in a position to play with the maximum guarantees and I continue my preparation process, hoping to return soon," Nadal announced.

Over the weekend, Barcelona Open tournament director David Ferrer hinted that Nadal could withdraw from Monte Carlo. The Barcelona Open is starting on April 17th and Ferrer said Nadal would 100% play there. “We still don’t know if he will be in Monte Carlo but he will surely be in Barcelona and will arrive well for the tour on the clay.

I have a lot of faith in him. That he physically has not had wear and tear is good," Ferrer said. Nadal is now targeting to make his long-awaited comeback in Barcelona. At the Barcelona Open, Nadal is a record 12-time champion and that's also a place where he has enjoyed lots of success.

After Barcelona, Nadal is expected to compete at the Masters events in Madrid and Rome. It remains to be seen how well can Nadal prepare for the French Open.