(Tennis news) Rafael Nadal’s absence from Indian Wells has resulted in the Spaniard slipping out of the top 10 rankings for the first time since 2005. The Spaniard was forced to skip the Masters 1000 event in California where he lost in the finals last year as he continues his recovery from a hip injury. Nadal has had an injury plagued season so far and was eliminated from the second round of the Australian Open in January.

His absence from the Indian Wells and inability to defend 600 points has now resulted in Nadal slipping to 13th in the rankings, thereby ending his 912 week record to stay inside the top 10 which began when current world number 1 Carlos Alcaraz was two years old. Nadal is expected to return to the Monte Carlo Masters before participating in the French Open, a Grand Slam that he has won 14 times in his career and a tournament that could propel him back into the top 10 soon.

In other news, Jack Draper has pulled out of the Australian Open due to a recurring abdominal muscle injury. The British tennis player suffered a minor tear in his oblique muscle at Indian Wells and was forced to retire in the second set of a fourth round match against Carlos Alcaraz. Draper released a statement on social media that said “Unfortunately I won’t be able to play in the @miamiopen this year. The injury I picked up last week needs more time to heal and recover properly. My main goal at this time is to play consistently on the tour but I have to be patient. Thank you for the support!”

Also read: Indian Wells: Elena Rybakina defeats Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 (13-11) 6-4 in the final