Acapulco, MX – Rafael Nadal will skip next month's Masters 1000 events at Indian Wells and Miami because of ongoing knee problems.
The former world No. 1 star recently returned to action after being sidelined for seven months due to tendinitis in his left knee. He's playing in Acapulco this week, his third tournament in four weeks.
The 11-time Grand Slam champion and reigning French Open titlist Nadal said his knee feels better, but he still has to be cautious.
"It's better and I've been able to compete but it's still bothering me," he said on his arrival in Acapulco. "It's better on some days and worse on others, which isn't ideal for someone like me, because my idea of competing is based on giving it all at all times."
Nadal captured a title in Sao Paolo two weeks ago and was a runner-up upon his much-anticipated return in Vina del Mar the week before that.
He had said he will only play on clay courts between now and the French Open in May.
Nadal, who shares a record with Roger Federer with 20 Masters titles, is a two-time Indian Wells champion, but has never titled in Miami.
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