Rafael Nadal withdraws from Barcelona Open as he continues injury recuperation: ‘I’m still not prepared’

Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Barcelona Open, with the Spaniard running of time to get match sharp ahead of his quest for a record-extending 15th French Open crown.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner has not played since losing in the Australian Open second round due to a muscle injury in his left leg.

“Barcelona is a special tournament for me because it’s my adopted club and because playing at home is always a unique feeling,” wrote Nadal on Instagram.

“I’m still not prepared and therefore I’m still in my preparation process for the return to competition.

“Good luck to my friend [and tournament director] David Ferrer and his whole team for this edition of the Godo that will surely be a success as always on all levels.”

However, there are just four competition windows left for him to play competitive clay-court tennis ahead of the tournament.

There is the Srpska Open and ATP Munich (starting on April 17), ATP Madrid (April 26), ATP Rome (May 10), and ATP Geneva and ATP Lyon (May 21).

Nadal was targeting a return at the ‘Sunshine Double’ of Indian Wells and the Miami Open, but was forced to withdraw from both and has followed that up with two further withdrawals.

However, Nadal had enjoyed a far more productive start in 2022, opening the season with a 21-match winning streak and collecting the Australian Open title.

This year he has played four matches – two at the United Cup and two at the Australian Open – and lost three of them. His only win came against Britain’s Jack Draper in the first round at Melbourne Park.

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