Collage of tennis gamers Rafael Nadal and Sumit Nagal. The Spaniard’s withdrawal at Indian Wells advantages Nagal, who now enters the main draw. File footage
| Photo Credit: AP, Sudhakara Jain
Indian tennis star Sumit Nagal has superior to the main draw of the BNP Paribas Open as a ‘fortunate loser’ after Spanish celebrity Rafael Nadal withdrew from the occasion citing lack of readiness to play on the highest stage.
The 26-year-old Nagal had misplaced in the second spherical of the qualifying event however bought the massive break as he was the very best ranked participant in that draw. He is at the moment positioned 101st in the ATP rankings and was entitled to undergo in case of a last-minute main draw withdrawal.
The Indian will tackle Canada’s Milos Raonic, a 2016 Wimbledon finalist who’s on protected rankings. Players injured for no less than six months can search a protected rating, which is a mean of their rating through the first three months of damage.
Nadal’s damage points
Earlier, Nadal, 37, introduced his withdrawal in a press release. The Spaniard has been battling damage points and was compelled to bear a hip surgical procedure final season.
“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament. Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I love to play here at Indian Wells,” he stated.
“I have been working hard and practising 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 will not be a simple choice, it is a powerful one as a matter of truth however I can’t lie to myself and lie to the hundreds of followers. I’ll miss you all and I’m certain the event might be an incredible success,” he added.
Tournament director Tommy Haas expressed his disappointment at Nadal’s withdrawal.
“We are dissatisfied that Rafa is unable to play in the BNP Paribas Open, however we want him continued therapeutic and hope he will be again in motion once more quickly,” Haas said.
Nagal broke into the ATP top-100 last month on the back of his title win in the Chennai Challenger event. He, however, dropped out soon after owing to underwhelming results in the ensuing tournaments.