Nadal Withdraws From The Nitto ATP Finals

Rafael Nadal announced his withdrawal from the Nitto ATP Finals on Monday night after a 7-6(5), 6-7(4), 6-4 loss to David Goffin in his opening round-robin match.

The Spaniard will be replaced in the event by his compatriot and first alternate Pablo Carreno Busta, who will take Nadal’s spot in Group Pete Sampras. Nadal withdrew due to a right knee injury just two weeks after pulling out of the Rolex Paris Masters, also because of his knee.

“I had the commitment with the event, with the city, with myself. I tried hard. I did the things that I had to do to try to be ready to play,” Nadal said. “But I am really not ready to play. I really fought a lot during the match, but knowing that [there] probably was a big chance to be the last match of the season.”

Nadal says that he had no choice, and knew during the match against Goffin that he would not be able to continue in the tournament.

“It was not a decision at all,” Nadal said. “It’s about the pain. I cannot hold with enough power to keep playing. I tried, but [it] seriously was miracle to be very close in the score during the match.”