Nadal Pulls Out of Barcelona Open as He Builds Fitness

Spain's Rafael Nadal looks dejected after losing his second round match against Mackenzie Mcdonald of the U.S. during Australian Open, at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, on Jan. 18, 2023. Hannah Mckay/Reuters

Rafa Nadal will miss next week’s Barcelona Open and continue building his match fitness following a hip injury sustained at the Australian Open in January, the 22-times Grand Slam champion said on Friday.

Nadal skipped tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami as well as the ongoing Monte Carlo Masters after suffering the injury that effectively ended his Melbourne Park title defense as he crashed to a second-round defeat by Mackenzie McDonald.