2021 has not been kind to World No.2 Rafael Nadal. A back injury sustained at the start of Australian Open 2021 is still hampering his ATP season. Now, post the Grand Slam, the first major ATP event at Rotterdam will begin next week, but Nadal will not be participating in the event.

A lower back injury was frustrating the Spaniard during the Aussie Open. With medications and temporary solutions, he was able to reach the quarterfinals. But in the quarterfinals, a half-fit Nadal was caught by World No.6 Stefanos Tsitsipas. So, not taking further risks, Nadal withdrew from Rotterdam Open.

“It is with great sadness that I have to forfeit from Rotterdam. As most of the fans know, I suffered some back problems in Australia that started in Adelaide and continued during Melbourne. We found a temporary solution that allowed me to play without pain in the second week of the tournament.

“Once I got back to Spain, I visited my doctor and together with my team they’ve advised not to play this upcoming week,” Nadal said.

The wait for Rafael Nadal to return to Rotterdam continues

It was a piece of unfortunate news for all tennis fans. Especially in the Netherlands, as Nadal was scheduled to return to Rotterdam after 12 years. The last time Rafa Nadal came to Rotterdam was back in 2009, and he was the runner-up. He was beaten by a 22-year-old Andy Murray in the finals.

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Nadal had shown his eagerness to play in Rotterdam. And given the tough ATP schedule this year, the Rotterdam Open fitted perfectly into Nadal’s calendar. It is unknown where we might see Nadal next, but surely he wouldn’t want to miss the Miami Open, which kick starts the ATP 1000 Masters tournaments on March 22.

“I was really looking forward to coming back to Rotterdam and The Netherlands since it’s been a while I played there, and this was the perfect year for my calendar. I hope to come back and play there soon.”

In Nadal’s absence, World No.3

Daniil Medvedev will lead a star-studded Rotterdam Open lineup. Read More: Rafael Nadal, Naomi Osaka, and LeBron James Nominated for an Elite Sportspersons Award