World number one Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Paris Masters due to a right knee injury, raising questions about his participation in the ATP Finals.
The Spaniard, who was blindfolded in the third set of his victory against Pablo Cuevas in the third round on Thursday, revealed he was unable to play his game against Serbain Filip Krajinovic.
“I have to pull out. Of course, it’s very difficult decision for me, especially here in Paris, which was without a doubt the most important city of my career,” Nadal said.
“It’s a difficult situation but I tried my best. I did one treatment yesterday night to try and play today. I am here to win if I see that I don’t have that chance, it’s not a good idea to keep trying.” Nadal added.
The 31-year-old did not say whether he will be able to play at the ATP Finals in London, a tournament that starts on November 12, but he confirmed that he will see a doctor to assess the condition of his right knee.
“It’s not about London, it’s about the longer term. It is important to play tennis as long as possible. I’m going back, check again with the doctors as I did after Shanghai. We will see, I’m going to do my treatment. It worked well in the past.” Nadal said.
During the game against Cuevas, Nadal did not show his usual mobility and he lacked speed. In the service for the game, he had almost no vitality and he committed a double fault.
“Yesterday, the pain was too strong during the game. But I didn’t want to give up. It’s not something I like doing.” Nadal said.
Roger Federer has been beaten Nadal three more times this year. (Source:www.dailyexpress.co.uk)
Nadal missed much of last season due to a wrist injury and he came back to the top by winning the French Open for the 10th and the US Open for the third time, bringing his total Grand Slam titles.
He started this year with a defeat in five innings against Roger Federer in the final of Australian Open. Federer, meanwhile, has beaten Nadal three more times this year.
Nadal has also been slowed down by knee injuries in the past and preferred to take no chances by continuing to play the Paris Masters, where he never won.
