'I am not ready to compete' – Nadal withdraws from Qatar Open

Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the upcoming Qatar Open in a further delay to his comeback.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner was due to compete at the event in Doha which begins on February 19.

However, the 37-year-old, who recently attempted a return to action following a lengthy lay-off, will continue to be sidelined.

Writing on X, Nadal say he is targeting in an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas in March, and Indian Wells later in the month.

His post read: “I would have loved to play in Doha, where the tournament team, as well as the amazing Qatar fans have always supported me greatly.

“Unfortunately I am not ready to compete and I won’t be able to come to Doha where I really wanted to be and play again after that unforgettable win in 2014.

“I will focus on keep working to be ready for the exhibition in Las Vegas and the amazing Indian Wells tournament.”

Nadal was out of action for a year with a long-term hip problem, making his return at the Brisbane International in January.

He reached the quarter-final after winning two matches, but sustained a muscle tear near his hip during his encounter against Jordan Thompson.

The setback caused Nadal, a former world No. 1, to withdraw from the Australian Open a week before the Grand Slam began.

The 37-year-old had said he would make a last-minute decision regarding the Qatar Open, but it was expected that he would prioritise the clay season, which includes the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.