Rafael Nadal makes final decision on latest comeback with big announcement

Rafael Nadal had cast doubt over whether he would play in the ATP Tour event in Qatar next week and now he has made a decision on his participation.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion has been training at his Academy base in Spain and the early signs were positive as he aimed to make a quick comeback to the court after withdrawing from last month’s Australian Open with a minor injury.

The Spaniard confessed that he had been feeling some discomfort in recent days and this led to suggestions that he may skip the tournament in Doha, with that rumour now confirmed.

“I would have loved to play in Doha, where the tournament team, as well as the amazing Qatar fans, have always supported me greatly,” said Nadal in a social media post.

“Unfortunately I am not ready to compete and I won’t be able to come to Doha where I really wanted to be and play again after that unforgettable win in 2014.

“I will focus on keep working to be ready for the exhibition in Las Vegas and the amazing Indian Wells tournament.”

Nadal has earlier spoken about his desire to play at Indian Wells, as he wants to make what he feels may be a final appearance at the ATP 1000 event in California.

In an interview with LaSexta, Nadal declared he was unsure whether he would be ready to compete in Qatar, but was hopeful he would feature at Indian Wells next month.

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“I have had some discomfort in recent weeks and I am a little bit on the limit. At this point, every blow I take, every injury, is a setback not only in tennis and physically but also mentally,” said Nadal.

“I trust 100% to be in Indian Wells, it is a very special tournament for me. I don’t know if it will be the last time I am going to play it, so I would like to be in Indian Wells, for sure.

“My priority goal, which is what I said from the beginning, is to get to the clay season as healthy as possible. I want to try to give myself the option to enjoy the clay season.”

Nadal mentioned an exhibition event as he confirmed his withdrawal from the Doha tournament and that will be a money-spinning match against compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas on March 3.

Netflix with screen the event that has been a big ticket selling in Las Vegas, with Nadal clearly keen to make sure he doesn’t have to withdraw from an event that has the potential to reach a huge global audience on the streaming service.

This will be a rare foray into live sport for Netflix, with ticket prices for the event raising a few eyebrows.

Courtside tickets are on sale for a whopping $3,000, with most of them already sold out and tickets in the bottom tier of the stand are on sale for $500, with many already sold out.

Even though this is a tennis match between two Spaniards in the Las Vegas desert, it has proved to be a big hit with fans and Nadal will be eager to make sure he is fit enough to take part.

While his withdrawal from the Qatar Open is horrible news for that tournament, who have been using Nadal as their star attraction in the build-up, it seems fans of the tennis icon won’t have to wait long to see their hero back on court.

The focus of his season may be on the clay court season and a bid to win a remarkable 15th French Open title, but he will be in California at the start of March for what may be a farewell appearance in the desert.