The 22-time Grand Slam Champion Rafael Nadal on Tuesday announced his withdrawal from the French Open warm-up tournament, Monte Carlo Masters, as he is still recuperating from his hip injury.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Monte Carlo Masters is slated to take place from April 8-16 which will mark the beginning of the clay-court season, where the 14-time Roland Garros champion has enjoyed immense success in his career.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"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," the Spaniard tweeted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I am not yet in a position to play with the maximum guarantees and I continue my preparation process, hoping to return soon," he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 36-year old Nadal has been out of action since his Australian Open second-round loss to American Mackenzie McDonald, where he aggravated a hip injury.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Spaniard had also withdrawn from the Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open due to grade 2 injury in the iliopsoas muscle in his left leg.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Last month at the draw ceremony of the Monte Carlo Masters, tournament director David Massey had said that the Spaniard had signed up to compete in the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, Nadal brushed off the claims, stating that he is unable to specify a definite time frame for his return.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Last month at the draw ceremony of the Monte Carlo Masters, tournament director David Massey had said that the Spaniard had signed up to compete in the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n