Nadal withdraws from Madrid Open, uncertain of competing at Roland Garros

Rafael Nadal has announced his withdrawal from Madrid Open due to his lingering Psoas injury sustained at the Australian Open.

The 22 Grand Slam winner has been out of tennis action since being defeated in the second round of the  Australian Open and was scheduled to return six to eight weeks after, but it hasn't been the case.

"As you know I suffered a major injury in Australia, in the Psoas. Initially, it had to be a six to eight weeks recovery period and we're on number fourteen," Nadal wrote in his social media release.

He added that as the weeks passed, he had the illusion of playing in tournaments that are the most important in his career, but after missing Monte Carlo and Roland Garros, he will also miss Madrid.

"I had the illusion of being able to play in tournaments that are the most important in my career such as Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Roma, Madrid, Roland Garros, and at the moment, I missed Monte Carlo and Barcelona. Won't be able to be in Madrid unfortunately."

Nadal further explained that the injury is unhealed, and he doesn't know when he will be back, meaning he's uncertain about playing at Roland Garros.

"The injury is still unhealed, and I can't work what I need to complete. I was training, but a few days ago, we decided to change course a bit, do another treatment, and see if things will improve to try and get to what comes. I can't give deadlines because if I knew, I would tell you, but I don't know. This is the current situation."

The fourteen times French Open winner thanked his fans and supporters, and he will try to keep the right attitude to make a comeback for the rest of the tournaments in the dirt season.

"All I have left is to try and keep the right attitude all this time, try to give myself a chance to compete in some of the tournaments left in the dirt season, and I have no choice but to work and be with the right mindset," Nadal concluded.