Rafael Nadal has been forced to withdraw from the Masters Series events in Indian Wells and Miami.
The left-hander has endured an injury-hit start to the season, with his Australian Open bid ending when he was forced to withdraw during the closing stages of his quarter-final clash with Marin Cilic.
Nadal had planned to return in Acapulco this week but a recurrence of a hip injury led to his late withdrawal, and the Spaniard has now revealed that he will play no part in the first two Masters Series tournaments of the year.
On Facebook, the 31-year-old said: "Unfortunately, the injury I suffered in Acapulco before starting the tournament is in the same area as the one suffered in Melbourne.
"I won't be able to play in Miami or Indian Wells as I need to recover."
The world number two will now attempt to regain full fitness in time for the start of the clay-court season, with the Monte Carlo Masters due to commence on April 15.
Darren Plant
