RAFAEL NADAL’S SEASON is over after announcing his withdrawal from the BNP Paribas Masters and the ATP World Tour Finals in London.
The former world number one has not played a competitive match since his shock loss to Lukas Rosol in the second round at Wimbledon in June and finally succumbed to a left knee injury on Thursday.
The Spaniard was set to play in the Paris indoor event starting on October 29, London from November 5 and the Davis Cup final against the Czech Republic in Prague which starts on November 16.
But inflammation behind his kneecap has not subsided and the Mallorcan stayed true to his word not to return to the tour unless he was 100 percent fit.
“It’s disappointing for me to miss the last two tournaments of the season in Paris and London, but it doesn’t come as a surprise,” Nadal said.
“I will hopefully resume my tennis practice soon since I am making good progress with my recovery from injury.
“I am not ready to compete in time for these events so I will continue my recovery in Mallorca and work hard to be back as soon as possible.”
Nadal missed the London Olympics and the US Open and with the next two events on hard court would have felt the chances of aggravating the injury were higher than on his preferred surface, clay.
ATP president Brad Drewett said: “We wish Rafa all the best as he continues his rehabilitation from injury. Rafa is an incredible champion and it goes without saying that he has been missed on the ATP World Tour over the past few months. We look forward to welcoming him back on the tour very soon.”
Nadal’s absence from the season-ending tournament at London’s O2 Arena means that the ninth-ranked player – currently Janko Tipsarevic – will take his place.
