London, Europe Brief News – Rafael Nadal denied reports that he will be making a return at the Monte Carlo Masters, with the Spaniard claiming he doesn’t know when he will be ready.
Nadal has not played a match since his brutal exit at the Australian Open in January, which saw him limp out in the second round.
The Spaniard was in pain during his exit as he soldiered on in order to leave on his own terms as defending champion. Nadal suffered a hip flexor injury during the loss and announced he would be sitting out for 6-8 weeks to recover.
Last week, Nadal dropped out of the world’s top 10 men’s tennis rankings for the first time in 18 years.
The Spanish legend has been in the top 10 ever since April 2005. But he fell to 13th in the rankings after missing Indian Wells. His statement cast doubt on a possible return at next month’s Monte Carlo Masters.
The tournament’s official Twitter account more recently suggested Nadal will “definitely” take part. However, Nadal denied that was the case.
“I don’t know who gets this information,” he is quoted as saying by the Spanish publication Marca. “Obviously if it were true, I would confirm it, but unfortunately I can’t. I’m following my course and I don’t know when I’ll play again, that’s the truth.
“I can’t confirm that I will play in Monte Carlo. Things are seen day by day. I prefer to say things when I really know them,” he added.
