Rafael Nadal - London and Madrid at risk?
The retirement of Rafael Nadal in the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Paris Bercy could not only affect the ATP Finals. Finally, the Davis Cup is waiting for you afterwards.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: Nov 04, 2019, 03:33 pm
At the season finale at the London O2 Arena, the ATP always shows its best side, not just athletic. The invasion of the eight best players of the year is accompanied by an impressive light show, the musical accompaniment is in no way inferior. Especially in the past year, however, after the pompous beginning of a certain voltage drop was to register, too clearly fell some matches of the group stage. And too many were missing two players who can reliably count on the support of their fans around the world: Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro.
The Argentinian was after his recent injury problems in 2019 for London never an issue, Nadal of course already. Especially since he leads the annual ranking, which has won much sung Race to London. In Paris-Bercy, the Spaniard could even have a number one victory at the end of the year. Then, before the semi-final against Denis Shapovalov reported an abdominal muscle.
Nadal has never won the ATP Finals
How loud and clear will be in the coming days. Normally, however, injuries in this region of the body tend to heal slowly, so it is hoped that Nadal's withdrawal was primarily a precautionary measure as well. Although the fans were so concerned about the dream final against Novak Djokovic, there may be this meeting but yes at the ATP Finals, but there at the earliest in the semifinals.
The year-end tournament is still missing on the Spaniard's list of victories, matches in the hall have always pleased him less than those in the open air, preferably at high summer temperatures, where Nadal can torment his opponents properly.
In 2017, Nadal pitched last time in the season finale, pulled back after defeat against David Goffin from the tournament. In 2016, the Spaniard had to cancel his playing time earlier again, the year before he made it to the semi-finals. Where Nadal had no chance against Djokovic.
Djokovic has confirmed late for the Davis Cup
These were the regular tennis seasons. From 2019, another week will be added, which certainly also plays a role in the considerations of Rafael Nadal: The Davis Cup final tournament in Madrid. There, the 19-time major winner is to play the draft horse, the Caja Magical is very familiar to him. Nadal, unlike Djokovic, for example, early agreed to strike at the generally considered unfavorable appointment in Madrid. The avowed Real Madrid fan has given the Barcelona legend Gerard Piqué his word, the latter in turn would like to present his sponsors the best possible starting field. And for the Davis Cup the same applies as for the ATP Finals: Best possible is always with Rafael Nadal. That there is not an abdominal muscle in between.