Injury cloud still hangs over hard-luck Nadal

Rafael Nadal has expressed concern over his slow-to-heal thigh injury which may delay his comeback to the ATP scheduled for next week.

The 37-year-old Spaniard, who missed almost all of 2023, re-injured himself at the start of January as he played Brisbane, winning two rounds before losing in the quarter-finals to Jordan Thompson.

But Spanish media reported on Wednesday that the 22-time Grand Slam champion may have to skip the ATP 250 date starting on Monday in Doha,

“I would love to be in Doha, but Doha is very soon after the injury,” the No 646 said, “I see the Doha decision more at the last minute.”

Nadal added that his recovery has not gone as expected:

 “I’ve had some discomfort these last few weeks and I’m a little pushed to my limit.

“At this point, every issue, every injury, is a setback not only in the tennis and in the physical, but also in the mental.”

The Dubai field is headed by world No. 3  Daniil Medvedev, with Andy Murray also in the entry in the emirate.

Nadal later made the call to skip Doha, posting on social media:-

“I would have loved to play in Doha, where the tournament team, as well as the amazing Qatar fans have always supported me greatly.

“Unfortunately I am not ready to compete and I won’t be able to come to Doha where I really wanted to be and play again after that unforgettable win in 2014.”

He is now aiming for the Indian Wells Masters starting in just over three weeks.