Drops Out Of  Top 10  Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal’s absence from Indian Wells saw the 22-time Grand Slam champion slip out of the top 10 for the first time since 2005. 

Nadal was forced to skip the Masters 1000 event in California, where he reached the final last year. 

Reason? He continues his recovery from a hip issue that ended his Australian Open title defence in the second round in January.

Unable to defend the 600 points from Indian Wells resulted in Nadal dropping four places to 13th in the rankings.

Nadal prepares to return to action at the Monte Carlo Masters next month ahead of the French Open. 

Hence, his time outside the top 10 might be short.

World number four Casper Ruud, who lost to Nadal in the Roland Garros final last year, said he would not be shocked to see the 36-year-old lift the trophy once again.

Tennis lost two of its greats when Serena Williams and Roger Federer bowed out of the sport last year. 

However, Nadal and rival Novak Djokovic are still soldiering on.

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