Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the 2013 Sony Open to rest his left knee. On the advice of doctors, Nadal will return home to rest and strengthen his left leg in the lead up to the clay court season. Nadal is expected to return to the ATP in April to play in Monte Carlo.

Here is the official statement by Adam Barrett, Tournament Director, Sony Open Tennis

“We are disappointed to hear the news that Rafael Nadal will not be competing in Miami this year, especially given his strong results since his return to the Tour. He is a tremendous ambassador for the game and has thousands of adoring fans here in South Florida. We wish him well and hope to see him back in Miami next year. The Sony Open is looking forward to a tremendous two weeks of tennis with the likes of two-time defending Australian Open men’s champion Novak Djokovic, defending Olympic gold medalist and US Open men’s champion Andy Murray, 2013 Australian Open women’s champion Victoria Azarenka, reigning French Open women’s champion Maria Sharapova and defending Wimbledon, US Open and Olympic champion Serena Williams competing against the rest of the world’s best players here in Miami”.