Rafael Nadal withdraws from Sony Open tournament

Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Sony Open starting today in Key Biscayne, Florida to rest his left knee. He won the BNP Paribas Open on Sunday at Indian Wells, California.

Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Sony Open starting on Monday in Key Biscayne, Florida to rest his left knee.

He won the BNP Paribas Open on Sunday at Indian Wells, California, his third title in four tournaments since returning in February after seven months off with the knee injury.

After defeating Juan Martin del Potro in three sets Sunday, Nadal said, "I'm very sorry for the organisation of the tournament and I'm very sorry for the fans, but we never thought we'd be able to play all matches possible since I came back."

He added his doctors recommend he return home for a few weeks for rest and to keep practicing.