Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal pulls out of Roger Federer clash at Indian Wells


Rafael Nadal cited a knee injury as the reason for his withdrawal from the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

The Spaniard was set for a Saturday showdown with rival Roger Federer, but Friday's hard-fought win against Russia's Karen Khachanov evidently came at a price.

Nadal was twice treated on-court after issues with his troublesome right knee and having been forced to withdraw, does not expect to play competitively until the clay season in a month.