Carlos Alcaraz wishes Rafael Nadal a "swift recovery" after his withdrawal from the Las Vegas exhibition match
Former World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz recently wished Rafael Nadal a "swift recovery" following the 22-time Grand Slam champion's withdrawal from an exhibition match against Alcaraz in Las Vegas.
The 36-year-old Spaniard has withdrawn from an exhibition match in Las Vegas, indicating a possible late withdrawal from Indian Wells as well. He was scheduled to compete in the MGM Rewards 'The SLAM' presented by Chase Sapphire, set to take place on Sunday, March 5, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, alongside Carlos Alcaraz.
On Friday, the event announced Nadal's withdrawal and added two new players to the lineup: Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe. In view of that, Carlos Alcaraz, who will face the match-winner between Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz, took to Twitter to wish the 22-time Grand Slam champion a "swift recovery".
"With the recent developments of @MGMRewards The Slam, I’d like to wish @RafaelNadal a swift recovery. On March 5th, joining me at MGM Grand Garden Arena will be two amazing players, @FTiafoe and @Taylor_Fritz97. May the best man win!" Alcaraz wrote.
With the recent developments of @MGMRewards The Slam, I’d like to wish @RafaelNadal a swift recovery. On March 5th, joining me at MGM Grand Garden Arena will be two amazing players, @FTiafoe and @Taylor_Fritz97. May the best man win!
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The Spaniard's withdrawal from the match did not come as a surprise, given that he withdrew from the Dubai Tennis Championships and Qatar Open due to an injury sustained during his Australian Open second-round match against Mackenzie McDonald.
"I am sure that we will find another date to celebrate this event and have fun" - Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal issued a statement regarding his withdrawal from the event, stating that he was "very sad" not to be able to play alongside Carlos Alcaraz due to the timeline of his recovery.
"I am very sad for not being able to come to Vegas and play in this amazing event with Carlos at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Unfortunately, the timing of my recovery doesn't make it possible to be there ready to play," he said.
He then stated that he would "find another date" to celebrate and enjoy the event, thanking the organizers and fans for their support and being "extremely understanding."
"I am sure that we will find another date to celebrate this event and have fun. I would like to thank the fans and event organizers who have been in contact with me all the time, showed a lot of support and have been extremely understanding," he said.
The 36-year-old is now in danger of leaving the ATP top 10 after spending a record 908 weeks there since entering the top 10 on April 25, 2005.