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Rafael Nadal withdraws from ATP Masters events in Miami and Indian Wells

Rafael Nadal grimaces as he walks on court while preparing to serve to Croatia's Marin Cilic during their men's singles quarter-finals
Image: Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from events in Miami and Indian Wells

World No 2 Rafael Nadal announced his withdrawal from this month's ATP Masters events in Miami and Indian Wells on Friday, citing a leg injury which forced him to pull out of the Mexican Open.

Nadal said in a statement on Facebook the injury which flared in Acapulco this week was in the same area as the hip problem that led to his exit from the Australian Open in January.

The 31-year-old has not played since withdrawing at the quarter-final stage in Melbourne.

Rafael Nadal receives medical attention during his men's singles quarter-finals match against Marin Cilic at the Australian Open
Image: Nadal first suffered the injury in the fifth set of his Australian Open quarter-final defeat to Marin Cilic

The Spaniard said: "Hi everyone. Unfortunately, the injury I suffered in Acapulco before starting the tournament is in the same area as the one suffered in Melbourne.

"I won't be able to play in Miami or Indian Wells as I need to recover. It was very painful to retire from Acapulco and it's very hard as well to not play in the USA. I will miss you and I will do everything that's possible to be back there in 2019. Thank you."

Nadal is expected to return for the European clay-court season ahead of the French Open in May, where he will be bidding for a record 11th title.

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