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The upcoming Miami Masters 2022, an ATP 1000 event has been struck with another major blow. After Novak Djokovic and Ashleigh Barty had withdrawn from the tournament due to different reasons, Australian Open 2022 winner Rafael Nadal has also officially pulled out of the event, set to take place from March 21 to April 3 in Florida.
The World No. 4 will indeed be a big absence in Miami but Nadal had hinted few days back that he might skip the event. The 35-year-old is slightly concerned about his foot injury, which ruled him out of action for a long time last year. In order to get sufficient rest, the Spaniard has decided to withdraw his name, with World No. 77 John Millman replacing him for the event.
"Rafa will certainly be missed. He has so many fans here in South Florida, and we hope to see him back in Miami next year," Miami tournament director James Blake said.
Rafael Nadal is unbeaten in 2022
The Spaniard is currently having a memorable year so far, having already won a Grand Slam in Melbourne, which was followed by Mexican Open triumph. He is currently taking part in Indian Wells Masters, where he registered an emphatic win in Round of 64.
His opponent Sebastian Korda put up a valiant show but despite losing the second set, Nadal came roaring back in the decider to win the match 6-2, 1-6, 7-6. The victory took Rafa's winning streak to 16 matches in 2022.
As he gets set to miss the tournament in Miami, Nadal will head straight into his favourite part of the year i.e. clay season. He is likely to be seen next at the Monte-Carlo Masters which is set to be played from April 9 to 17, where the Spaniard will look to clinch his 12th tournament title.