The first day of the Indian Wells tournament was disastrous for Spanish tenniswith the withdrawal of Rafa Nadal and Paula Badosa as the main negative note.
Besides, Sara Sorribes, world number 50, lost 6-1 6-1 in an hour and a quarter to Czech Marie Bouzkovaon Wednesday where rain forced the day to be cut short around 9 pm local time.
Among the matches that were not finished were Duel by Nuria Párrizas against the American McCartney Kessler (3-2 in the first set for Granada).
Nadal, three-time Indian Wells champion, announced his resignation in California afternoon: “I’ve been working hard and training and you all know that I made a test this weekend (in an exhibition with Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas), but I am not ready to play at the highest level in such an important event.“.
“It was not an easy decision. It’s really hard, but I can’t lie to myself and lie to thousands of fans.. I will miss you and I’m sure this tournament will be successful,” concluded the man from Manacor.
Nadal will debut this Thursday against Canadian Milos Raonic in a match that should mark his return to competing in official matches after a muscle micro-tear suffered in Brisbane. His place in the main draw was taken by Sumit Nagal, from India.
One of the most anticipated matches of the opening day was played by the Americans Brandon Nakashima and Christopher Eubanks. The former won 6-3 and 7-6(3).
Alcaraz met his first rival at the start of his title defense. This will be the Italian Matteo Arnaldiworld number 40, winning 7-6(6) and 7-6(3) against Frenchman Luca Van Assche.
Alcaraz defeated Arnaldi in the only precedentto be played at the 2023 US Open.
The Indian Wells Masters 1,000 will also mark the Serb’s return to the California pavement Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic, world number one and five-time champion in Indian Wells, will face his rival this Thursday, which will be between Japanese Shintaro Mochizuki and Australian Aleksandar Vukic.
Djokovic has not played in Indian Wells since 2019, due to the coronavirus pandemic and later not complying with US vaccination requirements.
On the WTA circuit, Sorribes, world number 50, was beaten 6-1 6-1 in an hour and a quarter by Czech Marie Bouzkova, number 40 in the world ranking. The Spaniard held just one turn on serve and lost for the second time in four previous matches against this rival.
Paula Badosa also lost in the tournamentIndian Wells champion in 2021, who resigned due to injury hours after her debut against Ashlyn Krueger.
“I’m sorry that I have to leave my favorite tournament. I tried everything to play, but it wasn’t enough. “I’m struggling with injuries, but I’m fighting every day to get back as soon as possible,” wrote Badosa, champion of this tournament in 2021, on his Instagram account.
“I want to thank the fans who have continued to support me, especially last year. I’m sorry I didn’t give you what you expected from me and I only gave you bad news lately.. “I want to thank the tournament for the invitation letter, you are the best tournament in the world,” he added.
Badosa has not competed since February 19 in Dubaiwhen she fell against the Swiss Lulu Sun.
Source: La Verdad
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