World number four Rafael Nadal
confirmed this week that he would not take any further part in the 2012 season
after withdrawing from both the Paris Masters and ATP Tour Finals in London.
The Spaniard has been battling a
persistent knee injury for most of the season and has not played a competitive
match since his shock second round loss to Lukas Rosol at Wimbledon back in
June.
The eleven-time Grand Slam champion
is said to be battling a partially torn patella tendon in his left knee that
also ruled him out of both the Olympics and US Open earlier this year.
However with inflammation around
his kneecap having not subsided the 26 year old declared on Thursday he would
not return to the tour until he believed he was 100% fit and ready.
“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.”
Nadal’s hard action style of play
makes him a lot more prone to injury than other players on tour and with these next two
tournaments both to be played on hard courts it would have likely increased the
risk of further aggravating the knee injury.
“We wish Rafa all the best as he
continues his rehabilitation from injury,” ATP president Brad Drewett said,
according to ESPN.co.uk. “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 withdrawal opens the door
for both Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Janko Tipsarevic to claim the last two spots at
the season ending ATP Tour Finals. Juan Martin Del Potro was the sixth man to
qualify for the tournament after reaching the quarterfinals at Basel on Friday.
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