INDIAN WELLS, California: Rafa Nadal has withdrawn from next week’s Sony Open in Miami to strengthen his left leg over the next few weeks before beginning his build-up for the French Open. The Spanish left-hander, who returned to the ATP circuit only last month after seven months out with a left knee injury, has played four tournaments in the last five weeks, winning three of them. “The doctors recommend me to be back home for a few weeks, rest a little bit and keep practising the right way,” the world number five told reporters after beating Juan Martin Del Potro 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the BNP Paribas Open final at Indian Wells yesterday. “You know, I need more power in the left leg quadriceps, so I need to keep working hard. The competition is hard for the body, so after four fantastic weeks I can’t go to Miami. I need to prepare and rest for the next one.” Nadal said he would next be in action in Monte Carlo, followed by Barcelona, Madrid and Rome. “That’s my schedule, the four obligatories (including Indian Wells) and Barcelona,” the 11-times Grand Slam singles champion said. “That’s my schedule. I go week-by-week since I came back. For example, I cannot go to Miami. I’m very sad for that. I’m very sorry for the organization of the tournament and I’m very sorry for the fans, but we never thought we’d be able to play all matches possible since I came back.” Earlier in the day, Sony Open tournament director Adam Barrett had announced Nadal’s withdrawal from Miami in a statement. “We are disappointed to hear the news that Rafael Nadal will not be competing in Miami this year, especially given his strong results since his return to the Tour,” Barrett said.
