Rafael Nadal on Monday confirmed that he will miss the ATP Finals in London and announced the “end of the season” because of injury. An abdominal problem kept him out of Paris Masters last week, and he needs an operation on his right ankle.
“I am writing to you to signal the end of the season,” Nadal said in a tweet. He added that it has been a complicated year, very good in terms of tennis, but at the same time, very bad as far as injuries are concerned.
“I have done everything possible to reach the end of the season in good condition, both in Paris and London, and I really wanted to play,” Nadal said. He further said that he will be undergoing surgery on his ankle joint to avoid any future problems.
“This way I hope to be in full condition for the next season,” he said, and thanked his supporters.
Nadal had won a record-extending 11th French Open this year, and reached the semifinals at Wimbledon and US Open. He retired halfway through the semifinal against Juan Martin del Petro at the US Open due to pain in his right knee.
With Nadal out of competitive tennis for the rest of the year, Novak Djokovic is assured of ending the season on top of the world rankings. The Serb returned to the number one spot for the first time since 2016 despite his loss in the Paris Masters final against Karan Khachanov.
Djokovic is the clear favourite at the ATP Finals in London this month.
(With inputs from agencies)
