Following Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz's withdrawals, Las Vegas exhibition event canceled
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz have withdrawn from MGM's 'The Slam' event citing injuries. With the absence of star attractions, organizers have been forced to cancel the event.
The tennis event was scheduled to take place at the MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday (March 5). Nadal had already pulled out of the event in February owing to a persistent hip injury that he picked up at the Australian Open. Now, with only a few days left before the event, Alcaraz notified the organizers of his withdrawal.
Tennis journalist Jon Wertheim shared the news of Alcaraz's withdrawal on social media on Wednesday (March 1).
MGM event cancelled following Alcaraz injury….tennis, man…. https://t.co/Fza8DeLb5e
Alcaraz suffered a strain in his right hamstring during the final against Cameron Norrie at the Rio Open. The injury forced him to withdraw from the ongoing Mexican Open as well.
Meanwhile, Nadal expressed disappointment at having pulled out of the exhibition match against the World No. 2.
"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 in a statement in February, according to tennis journalist Christopher Clarey.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion also conveyed hopes of finding another date to make the event happen.
"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," stated the 36-year-old.
Rafael Nadal withdraws from exhibition with Carlos Alcaraz on March 5 in Las Vegas. Alcaraz will now face winner of match between Taylor Fritz & Frances Tiafoe. But have to think, if Nadal cannot play March 5, it is unlikely he'll be able to play a few days later in Indian Wells https://t.co/nz603sDOYo
Rafael Nadal hopeful of returning to US during summer swing after Indian Wells and Miami withdrawal
Rafael Nadal recently announced his withdrawal from the Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open. However, he has given fans in the United States of America something to cheer for when he stated that he hoped to return to the country for other tournaments during the summer swing.
Taking to social media, the 22-time Grand Slam champion lamented his withdrawal from the Sunshine Double.
"I am sad that I won’t be able to compete at Indian Wells nor Miami. Very sad not to be there. I’ll miss all my US fans but I hope to see them later this year during the summer swing," he said.
Rafael Nadal was last seen in action at the Australian Open, where he suffered a second-round exit upon losing against Mackenzie McDonald in straight sets.