22-time Grand Slam winner,
Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the Barcelona Open. He says: “still not ready” to return to the men’s ATP tour.
Nadal, 36, has been struggling with an ongoing hip injury that has kept him out of this week’s Monte Carlo Masters also making his participation doubtful in the French Open in May, where he is defending champion.
Nadal wrote on Twitter: “Barcelona is a special tournament for me, because it is my adopted club and because playing at home is always a unique feeling.
“I am still not ready and, therefore, I continue my preparation process for the return to competition.”
The Barcelona Open, which Nadal has won 12 times, starts on Monday.
Nadal was diagnosed with a left hip injury after he was beaten in straight sets by McDonald in the second round in Melbourne.
