Nadal extends absence

Rafael Nadal pulled put of the Monte Carlo Masters because of a lingering injury. It delays the start of his clay-courttournament preparation ahead of the men’s French Open and extends his absence that began in January . . . Topseeded Jessica Pegula reached the quarterfinals of the women’s Charleston Open in South Carolina and Danielle Collins eliminated defending champion Ons Jabeur and past winner Sloan Stephens. Pegula defeated Magda Linette 6-2, 6-2. Collins topped Jabeur, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3, and five hours later beat Stephens, 6-2, 6-2. Collins had to play two matches in one day because of weather delays . . . Saudi Arabia will host the WTA Finals as part of a three-year deal with the women’s professional tennis tour that will increase the prize money for this November’s season-ending championship to a record $15.25 million. That is a 70 percent increase from 2023.