MONACO (AP) — Rafael Nadal pulled out of the clay-court Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday, saying he's not but in a position to compete on the highest degree.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion has been sidelined with a left hip flexor harm since the Australian Open. The Monte Carlo Masters begins on April 8.

“I will not be able to play in one of the most important tournaments of my career, Monte Carlo,” Nadal wrote on Twitter. “I am not yet in conditions to play with the maximum guarantees and I continue my preparation process, hoping to be back soon.”

Second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz additionally withdrew from the occasion due to “physical discomfort” after his semifinal loss in Florida final week. Alcaraz had been so dominant just lately, he hadn’t misplaced a set since February earlier than that defeat.

“I have post-traumatic arthritis in my left hand and muscular discomfort in the spine that needs rest to prepare for everything that is to come,” the 19-year-old from Spain stated.

Nadal has gained the event a document 11 instances, together with an Open Era document streak of eight consecutive titles from 2005-12. The 36-year-old Spaniard usually makes use of the occasion as a key a part of his preparations for the French Open, which takes place May 28-June 11.

Nadal has gained 14 of his main titles on clay at Roland Garros, together with final 12 months whereas coping with continual ache in his left foot.

In January, Nadal damage his hip flexor throughout a second-round loss to Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open.

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