Google News Monte Carlo boss: Rafael Nadal is giving himself every chance to play at tournament
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 5321
Monte Carlo Masters tournament director David Massey revealed that Rafael Nadal was "the first player to be registered" for this year's tournament. Nadal, 36, hasn't played since the Australian Open due to a hip injury. The Monte Carlo Masters is starting on April 9th and the general belief is that Nadal is targeting to return to action at the start of the clay season.
Monte Carlo boss Massey confirmed Nadal is indeed targeting to return to action in Monte Carlo but noted that there are no guarantees that the Spaniard will be able to start the clay season in time. "Rafa was the first [player] to be registered.
He really wants to play at the Monte Carlo Masters and is giving himself every chance to take part in the tournament he's so fond of," Massey said in a statement to ESPN.
Nadal pulled out of Indian Wells and Miami
After exiting the Australian Open in the second round, Nadal had tests to determine the extent of his injury.
Even though Nadal was initially expected to be out for six to eight weeks, the general expectation was that the Spaniard would skip Indian Wells and Miami to focus on preparing for the clay season. On February 28th, Nadal announced his withdrawal from the Sunshine Double.
"It’s been a while since I don’t communicate with you. Took my time off, started rehab, gym and physiotherapy as instructed by the doctors. Getting ready to come back the in the best conditions. I am sad that I won’t be able to compete at Indian Wells nor Miami.
Very sad not to be there. I’ll miss all my US fans but I hope to see them later this year during the summer swing," Nadal wrote on Twitter. In Monte Carlo, Nadal is a record 11-time champion. It remains to be seen if Nadal will indeed be able to return to action in Monte Carlo.