Tennis great Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells at short notice.
"It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament," the Spanish 37-year-old said in a statement on Wednesday, on the eve of his scheduled first round clash with Canada's Milos Raonic.
"I have been working hard and practicing and you all know I took a test this weekend but I don't find myself ready to play at the highest level at such an important event. It is not an easy decision, it's a tough one as a matter of fact, but I can't lie to myself and lie to the thousands of fans."
"We are disappointed that Rafa is unable to play in the BNP Paribas Open, but we wish him continued healing and hope he can be back in action again soon," organizers said in a statement. Sumit Nagal from India will replace Nadal in the main draw as the lucky loser, they added.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner, who has been struggling with hip issues, played competitively for the first time in nearly a year in the Brisbane International at the beginning of January.
However, he suffered a muscle injury in his quarter-final defeat to Australian Jordan Thompson and pulled out of the Australian Open.
On Sunday, Nadal looked good as he played a exhibition match against compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas, though the 20-year-old prevailed 3-6, 6-4, 14-12 (match tiebreaker).
Nadal's big goal remains the clay court season headlined by the French Open and the Olympic Games in Paris.