<p>Rafael Nadal's preparation for a tilt at a record-extending 15th French Open title suffered a blow when he announced Tuesday his withdrawal from the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters.</p>.<p>"Hi everyone, I'm still not ready to compete at the highest level," the 36-year-old Spaniard tweeted.</p>.<p>"I will not be able to play in one of the most important tournaments of my career, Monte Carlo."</p>.<p>The Monte Carlo tournament, which Nadal has won 11 times, begins on Saturday, while the French Open starts May 28.</p>.<p><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/tennis/djokovic-happy-with-injury-recovery-despite-semi-final-exit-in-dubai-1197104.html" target="_blank">Nadal said he was hoping to return</a> soon from the hip flexor injury he sustained in the Australian Open in January, suffering a second round exit against Mackenzie McDonald.</p>.<p>The 22-time Grand Slam champion pulled out of hard-court tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami, with his sights set on a return at the start of the clay court season.</p>.<p>Record Monte Carlo Masters champion Nadal won the tournament eight consecutive times between 2005 and 2012.</p>.<p>After the tournament's director said Nadal was registered for this year's edition, the Spaniard last week denied he was set to participate.</p>.<p>"I don't know who gets this information, but obviously if it were true, I would confirm it, but, unfortunately, I cannot confirm it," said Nadal at an event.</p>.<p>"Things are moving day by day, and I don't say things that I can't fulfil."</p>
<p>Rafael Nadal's preparation for a tilt at a record-extending 15th French Open title suffered a blow when he announced Tuesday his withdrawal from the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters.</p>.<p>"Hi everyone, I'm still not ready to compete at the highest level," the 36-year-old Spaniard tweeted.</p>.<p>"I will not be able to play in one of the most important tournaments of my career, Monte Carlo."</p>.<p>The Monte Carlo tournament, which Nadal has won 11 times, begins on Saturday, while the French Open starts May 28.</p>.<p><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/tennis/djokovic-happy-with-injury-recovery-despite-semi-final-exit-in-dubai-1197104.html" target="_blank">Nadal said he was hoping to return</a> soon from the hip flexor injury he sustained in the Australian Open in January, suffering a second round exit against Mackenzie McDonald.</p>.<p>The 22-time Grand Slam champion pulled out of hard-court tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami, with his sights set on a return at the start of the clay court season.</p>.<p>Record Monte Carlo Masters champion Nadal won the tournament eight consecutive times between 2005 and 2012.</p>.<p>After the tournament's director said Nadal was registered for this year's edition, the Spaniard last week denied he was set to participate.</p>.<p>"I don't know who gets this information, but obviously if it were true, I would confirm it, but, unfortunately, I cannot confirm it," said Nadal at an event.</p>.<p>"Things are moving day by day, and I don't say things that I can't fulfil."</p>