(Tennis news) Rafael Nadal continues to recover from an ongoing hip injury that has resulted in the 36 year old missing out on the start of the clay court season and has now withdrawn from the Barcelona Open. The 22 time Grand Slam winner is currently the defending champion at the French Open but it’s doubtful if he can compete in the tournament. Nadal hasn’t played since his defeat to Mackenzie McDonald in the Australian Open in January. 

Writing on Twitter, Nadal said “Barcelona is a special tournament for me, because it is my adopted club and because playing at home is always a unique feeling. I am still not ready and, therefore, I continue my preparation process for the return to competition.” The Spaniard has won the Barcelona Open 12 times and it’s one of the last big clay court events before the French Open begins on May 28th.

Nadal’s injuries meant that he has dropped out of the top 10 in world rankings. The Spaniard is expected to take six to eight weeks to recover and is expected to be back in action by the Madrid Open at the earliest, which will begin on 25th April. 

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