Collage of tennis gamers Rafael Nadal and Sumit Nagal. The Spaniard’s withdrawal at Indian Wells advantages Nagal, who now enters the primary draw. File footage| Photo Credit: AP, Sudhakara Jain

Indian tennis star Sumit Nagal has superior to the primary draw of the BNP Paribas Open as a 'fortunate loser' after Spanish famous person Rafael Nadal withdrew from the occasion citing lack of readiness to play on the highest degree.

The 26-year-old Nagal had misplaced within the second spherical of the qualifying match however received the massive break as he was the very best ranked participant in that draw. He is at the moment positioned one hundred and first within the ATP rankings and was entitled to undergo in case of a last-minute principal draw withdrawal.

The Indian will tackle Canada's Milos Raonic, a 2016 Wimbledon finalist who's on protected rankings. Players injured for at least six months can search a protected rating, which is a median of their rating throughout the first three months of damage.

Nadal’s damage points

Earlier, Nadal, 37, introduced his withdrawal in a press release. The Spaniard has been battling damage points and was pressured to bear a hip surgical procedure final season.

"It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament. Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I love to play here at Indian Wells," he mentioned.

It is with nice disappointment that I've to withdraw from this wonderful match at Indian Wells. Everyone is aware of how a lot I like this place and the way a lot I like to play right here. That's additionally one of many the reason why I got here very early to the desert to follow and attempt to prepare. pic.twitter.com/gmvs5kfGO2

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) March 7, 2024

"I have been working hard and practising and you all know I took a test this weekend but I don't find myself ready to play at the highest level at such an important event.

"It shouldn't be a straightforward choice, it is a powerful one as a matter of truth however I can’t deceive myself and deceive the hundreds of followers. I'll miss you all and I'm certain the match might be a fantastic success," he added.

Tournament director Tommy Haas expressed his disappointment at Nadal's withdrawal.

"We are upset that Rafa is unable to play within the BNP Paribas Open, however we want him continued therapeutic and hope he may be again in motion once more quickly," Haas said.

Nagal broke into the ATP top-100 last month on the back of his title win in the Chennai Challenger event. He, however, dropped out soon after owing to underwhelming results in the ensuing tournaments.