World number one Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the ongoing ATP Finals in London after he was severely hampered by a knee injury while facing David Goffin of Belgium in his one and only match at the tournament.
He was beaten 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 at London’s O2 Arena in a thrilling three-set contest before he revealed that he would be pulling out of the tournament.
Nadal’s withdrawal means that he has pulled out of this competition on six occasions in 13 years of qualifying. Fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta will replace him.
Rafael Nadal withdraws from the ATP Finals after losing to Goffin.
“I’m off, my season is over.” pic.twitter.com/x4wb24Z0Tp
— BBC Tennis (@bbctennis) November 13, 2017
Speaking after his loss to Goffin, the 31-year old said: “I am off. My season is finished.”
“I tried hard. I did the thing that I had to do to try to be ready to play. But I am really not ready to play, no?
“I really fought a lot during the match but knew that there was probably a big chance to be the last match of the season. That’s what it is going to be.
“It is not a decision at all, it’s about the pain. I cannot hold with enough power to keep playing. I tried, but seriously (it) was a miracle to be very close in the score during the match.” he added.
