Rafael Nadal remains uncertain for the French Open, which starts in March 28, after he withdrew from the tournament in Monte Carlo next week due to ongoing hip injury.
The 36-year old has not played a competitive match since his 2nd round loss at the Australian Open in January.
He was expected to be sidelined for 6 to 8 weeks after an MRI scan following his exit in Australia.
“I’m still not ready to compete at the highest level,” Nadal said on Twitter.
“I will not be able to play in one of the most important tournaments of my career, Monte Carlo.
“I am not yet in a position to play with the maximum guarantees and I continue my preparation process, hoping to return soon.”
Missing the start of the European clay-court season, starting with Monte Carlo, gives Nadal very little practice for the Grand-Slam title that he will be aiming to grab for a record-breaking 15th time.