Rafael Nadal’s absence from Miami Open participation list clarifies the legend’s schedule after Indian Wells

Meanwhile, Nadal’s name is missing from the list. This means that the 37-year-old will not play in Miami and take a rest after the Indian Wells. The Spaniard might make the switch to clay court after Indian Wells.

Notably, Rafael Nadal has not competed at the Miami Open since 2018. The 37-year-old has preferred to play at the Madrid Open (clay-court masters) or the Monte-Carlos Masters after Indian Wells. The pattern might continue this year considering Nadal is managing his workload with the French Open and Paris Olympics in sight.

Will Rafael Nadal play in the Netflix Slam before Indian Wells?

While Rafael Nadal’s participation in Indian Wells has been confirmed, the Spaniard’s class with Carlos Alcaraz has been jeopardized after the latter suffered an injury this week. As Alcaraz had to retire from his first-round match at the Rio Open due to an ankle injury, the chances of the 20-year-old coming back hang by a thread.

Alcaraz does not even know the extent of the injury let alone his recovery period. Although Alcaraz has shown optimism, the Spaniard’s participation in Indian Wells also remains uncertain amid this injury woe. Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal is regaining his match fitness as he was seen enjoying his practice sessions.

Now, it is to be seen if Alcaraz recovers in time to be able to compete against Nadal at the Netflix Slam. If it does not happen, Nadal is expected to make a comeback at Indian Wells.