Injury update: Rafael Nadal to miss the season-end ATP Finals
Rafael Nadal is set to miss the season-ending ATP Finals in London this month. This comes as a blow for both the player and his fans. The Spaniard is set to have a surgery on his ankle. Rafa's absence will give the impetus to the likes of world number one Djokovic and number three, Roger Federer to have a shot at the title.
Nadal's miss sees Isner join the quartet
Rafa missed Paris Masters recently
Rafa withdrew from last month's Paris Masters citing an abdominal muscle injury. This led to Serbian Djokovic replacing him as the world number one. Nadal is still nursing the injury. He said that he would "take advantage of the moment" and therefore have an operation on his ankle during this period.
Rafa confirms ankle surgery
Rafa took to social media platform Twitter and said that it has been a complicated year with good tennis but some worrisome injuries. He also confirmed that he will be undergoing a surgery. "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."
Rafa uses this time to get surgery done
Rafa stated that this is the best opportunity for him to get the surgery done. "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."
Injuries saw Rafa retire from two Slams this year
Rafa, who won two Slams last year, managed to win only the French Open in 2018. Injuries played a part in this. The year saw Djokovic dominate proceedings as he bagged two Slams. The Spaniard was forced to retire from two of the three hard-court events he took part in this season. It happened in the Australian Open and the US Open.
Quite a frustrating year for the Spaniard
In 2018, Rafa had to pull out of 10 tournaments. Injuries piled up that ranged from hip, knee, stomach and ankle. They also robbed him at the Slams given he had to retire during quarter-final (Australian Open) and semis (US Open).
