Nadal, Alcaraz out of Monte Carlo French Open warm-up

Spanish tennis stars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday both pulled out of the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters.

"Hi everyone, I'm still not ready to compete at the highest level," the 36-year-old Nadal tweeted.

"I will not be able to play in one of the most important tournaments of my career, Monte Carlo."

The Monte Carlo tournament, which Nadal has won 11 times, begins on Saturday, while the French Open starts on 28 May.

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Nadal said he was hoping to return soon from the hip flexor injury he sustained in the Australian Open in January, suffering a second round exit against Mackenzie McDonald.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion pulled out of hard-court tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami, with his sights set on a return at the start of the clay court season.

Record Monte Carlo Masters champion Nadal won the tournament eight consecutive times between 2005 and 2012.

After the tournament's director said Nadal was registered for this year's edition, the Spaniard last week denied he was set to participate.

"I don't know who gets this information, but obviously if it were true, I would confirm it, but, unfortunately, I cannot confirm it," said Nadal at an event.

"Things are moving day by day, and I don't say things that I can't fulfil."

Meanwhile, US Open champion Alcaraz pulled out because of hand and back injury problems. The world number two seemed set to battle Novak Djokovic for the top ranking.

"After two months abroad, I am happy to return home but sad because I finished my last match in Miami with physical discomfort," said Alcaraz on Twitter.

"I will not be able to go to Monte Carlo to start the clay court tour. I have post-traumatic arthritis in my left hand and muscular