Rafael Nadal latest marquee name to withdraw from Miami Open, joining Djokovic, Barty
Rafael Nadal is the latest marquee name to withdraw from the upcoming Miami Open, joining women’s No. 1 Ashleigh Barty and Novak Djokovic, who announced last week he is unable to play at Indian Wells, California, or Miami because he is unvaccinated and not allowed to fly into the United States per COVID travel restrictions.
Nadal, who won a record 21st Grand Slam title in Australia earlier this year, is a five-time finalist at the Miami tournament but has not played the event since 2017.
“Rafa will certainly be missed. He has so many fans here in South Florida, and we hope to see him back in Miami next year,” said Miami Open tournament director James Blake.
Despite the absence of Nadal, Djokovic, and Roger Federer, coming off two knee surgeries, 71 of the top 75 ranked women and 65 of the top 75 ranked men are entered.
Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray and former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, were granted wild cards into the tournament, which runs Mar. 21 to April 3 at Hard Rock Stadium. Sofia Kenin, winner of the 2020 Australian Open, also got a wild card.
The other main draw wildcards were given to Nick Kyrios, Jack Draper, Jordan Thompson and Juncheng Shang on the men’s side and Astra Sharma, Hailey Baptiste, Linda Fruhvirtova, Alexandra Eala, Ashlyn Krueger and Robin Montgomery on the women’s side.
Tickets to the 2022 Miami Open are on sale and available by phone at 305-943-6736 or online at www.miamiopen.com.
Qualifying rounds are March 21-22 and will determine the final 12 slots in each singles’ draw. The women’s main draw begins on Tuesday, March 22, followed by the first round of the men’s main draw on Wednesday, March 23.
This story was originally published March 13, 2022 at 8:22 AM.