Rafael Nadal withdraws from Las Vegas exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz, casts doubt on Indian Wells participation as well

Rafael Nadal's withdrawal from the Las Vegas exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz has sparked concerns over his Indian Wells participation.

Rafael Nadal was expected to face off against Carlos Alcaraz in an exhibition match, marketed as 'The Slam: Nadal vs Alcaraz.' The exhibition was scheduled to be held on March 5 at the MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The news of his withdrawal is not a surprise given that the Spaniard recently withdrew from the Dubai Tennis Championship and the Qatar Open as well. Carlos Alcaraz will now face the winner of the match between Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion said that while he was disappointed to miss out on the match, his recovery process forced him to withdraw. He thanked the event organizers as well as his fans for all their support, adding that he will try to find another date to celebrate the event.

"I am very sad for not being able to come to Vegas and play in this amazing event with Carlos at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Unfortunately, the timing of my recovery doesn't make it possible to be there ready to play."

"I am sure that we will find another date to celebrate this event and have fun. I would like to thank the fans and event organizers who have been in contact with me all the time, showed a lot of support and have been extremely understanding," the Spaniard said in a statement.

Tennis journalist Christopher Clarey shared the unfortunate news and cast doubt upon Nadal being fit to play in the Indian Wells Masters, scheduled to be held just a few days after the exhibition.

"Rafael Nadal withdraws from exhibition with Carlos Alcaraz on March 5 in Las Vegas. Alcaraz will now face winner of match between Taylor Fritz & Frances Tiafoe. But have to think, if Nadal cannot play March 5, it is unlikely he'll be able to play a few days later in Indian Wells," Clarey wrote on Twitter.

During the second-round match against Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open, the Mallorcan suffered a hip injury during the second set. He later provided an update, revealing that an MRI scan showed that he was suffering from a Grade 2 iliopsoas injury.

"Good afternoon. I have carried out medical tests after the defeat yesterday. The MRI shows a grade 2 lesion in the Iliacus Psoas of his left leg. Now it's sports rest and anti-inflammatory physiotherapy. Normal recovery time 6 to 8 weeks," the former World No. 1 wrote.

Rafael Nadal in danger of leaving ATP top 10 after 18 years

The top seed at the 2023 Australian Open

Rafael Nadal is in danger of dropping out of the ATP top 10 after a record 908 weeks. The former World No.1 entered the ATP top 10 on April 25, 2005 and has remained there ever since.

The World No.6 currently has 3,815 ranking points to his name. He stands to lose 500 points this month as he will not defend his title at the Mexico Open in Acapulco. He will also lose 600 ranking points from the Indian Wells Masters, where he was defeated by Taylor Fritz in the final last year, if he is unable to take part in the tournament.

With Daniil Medvedev and Cameron Norrie on 2,750 and 2,715 points respectively, an 1,100 point drop will see the Spaniard fall out of the ATP top 10 after a period of almost 18 years.