Rafael Nadal is to undergo ankle surgery after revealing he is out of the ATP Finals in London because of injury.
The Spaniard pulled out of the Paris Masters with an abdominal injury and after failing to recover in time, has now withdrawn from next week’s event.
He was scheduled to have a procedure to remove a floating body from his ankle on Monday in a bid to be fit for the start of the new season.
In a post on his official Facebook page, Nadal said: “It has been a complicated year, very good at the tennis level when I was able to play, and at the same time very bad as far as injuries are concerned.
“I have done everything possible to reach the end of the season in good condition, both in Paris and London, doing things well and I really wanted to play.
“Unfortunately, I had the abdominal problem in Paris last week and, in addition, I have a free body in the ankle joint that has to be removed in the operating room today.
“It is true that we had detected it for a long time and from time to time it bothered me. However, since the problem in the abdominal muscle also prevents me from playing in London, we take advantage of the moment to remove the free body and avoid future problems.
“In this way I hope to be in full condition for the next season.”
Nadal’s withdrawal in Paris allowed Novak Djokovic to replace him at the top of the world rankings.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here