I am not ready to compete at the highest level in time for these events
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the season’s final two events in Paris and London with injury and the world No.4 admits it ‘doesn’t come as a surprise’
The 11-time Grand Slam champion is suffering with Hoffa syndrome, inflammation of the fatty tissue in the knee, and he hasn’t appeared on tour since his shock loss to Lukas Rosol in the second round at Wimbledon.
“It’s disappointing for me to miss the last two tournaments of the season, but it doesn't come as a surprise,” said Nadal, who will more than likely also miss out on Spain’s Davis Cup final in the Czech Republic next month. “I am not ready to compete at the highest level in time for these events so I will continue my recovery in Mallorca and work hard to be back as soon as possible.
“I will hopefully resume my tennis practice soon since I am making good progress with my recovery from injury,” added the former world No.1, who was in Valencia this week to support compatriot Juan Carlos Ferrero as he retired from professional tennis.
Nadal’s absence now paves the way for the ninth ranked player to take a place in London at the ATP World Tour Finals. Serbia’s Janko Tipsarevic, who made an appearance as an alternate last year when Andy Murray pulled out with injury after one match, currently occupies that spot.
Nadal has not played on tour since June 28