Nadal to skip Miami Masters

Rafael Nadal celebrates with the trophy after defeating Juan Martin Del Potro to win the men’s final match of the 2013 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis on March 17, 2013. (Getty Images)

Washington, March 18 (IANS): Former tennis world No. 1 Rafael Nadal, who beat Juan Martin del Potro to lift the Indian Wells title Sunday, will not feature in the Miami Masters which starts later in the week, organisers said.

“The Sony Open has been notified by the ATP that Rafael Nadal has officially withdrawn from the event,” a statement from the organisers said.

The reason was still unknown but the Indian Wells was Nadal’s fourth final in four tournaments since he returned in February from a seven-month absence owing to a knee injury.