Nadal out of Miami after Indian Wells triumph

 

Originally published on: 18/03/13 00:00

Nadal rallied from a set and a break down to claim a 4-6 6-3 6-4 victory over Juan Martin Del Potro on Sunday to secure a record 22nd Masters 1000 title.

The Spaniard, who also won the event in 2007 and 2009, also notched his 600th match win for a third title in four tournaments since returning from a seven-month injury lay-off in February.

However, after six matches on the hard courts in California, including three against top-ten opponents – Roger Federer, Tomas Berdych and Del Potro, Nadal has opted to withdraw from the Masters event in Florida to rest his knee.

"I'm very sorry for the organisation of the tournament and I'm very sorry for the fans, but we never thought we'd be able to play all matches possible since I came back," Nadal said.

"The doctors recommend me to be back home for a few weeks and rest a little bit and keep practising the right way. I need more power on the left leg quadriceps, so I need to keep working hard. The competition is hard for the body, so after four fantastic weeks I can't go to Miami. I need to prepare and rest for the next one."

"We are disappointed to hear the news that Rafael Nadal will not be competing in Miami this year, especially given his strong results since his return to the tour,” Sony Open tournament director Adam Barrett said. "He is a tremendous ambassador for the game and has thousands of adoring fans here in South Florida.  We wish him well and hope to see him back in Miami next year.”

Nadal, who has moved back up to No. 4 in the world rankings with his victory will return to action at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters next month.

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