Atp Paris Bercy – Nadal retires: "I have injured my abs"

From Paris, our correspondent – When everything seemed ready for the start of the second semi-final of the Rolex Paris Masters, the worst possible news has arrived for all fans. Rafael Nadal has announced its flat rate for the match against Denis Shapovalov due to an abdominal injury.

"Everything was going well this week and I'm really sad right now. During the warm-up this morning I had good feelings, but when I hit one of the last services I felt a tear in my abs.

I immediately consulted with the doctor and decided to come back later to see what the situation was like. When I tried to serve in the afternoon, I realized I was in pain, so the doctor advised me not to take risks and I was forced to make this difficult decision "- explained the 19-time Slam champion at a press conference.

Asked about his presence at the ATP Finals in London, the Mallorcan did not want to unbalance: "The truth is that I am not able to give an answer now. The extent of the problem is not yet clear from the tests I have performed, I believe it will take a few days.

In any case, I will now return home and do everything possible to be ready for London. I am very sorry for how it ended this week, especially because I was satisfied with the level expressed in the last few days.

I must accept it and remain positive "- he added. Regardless of today's withdrawal, Rafa is still certain to return to the top of the world rankings from Monday 4 November. If Novak Djokovic were to win the title tomorrow, the margin between the two in the "Race" would amount to only 640 points, thus postponing any speech to the Master at the end of the year.

For Shapovalov it is the first absolute final in a 1000 against the 50 of the Serbian phenomenon, which will go in search of the fifth seal at the AccorHotels Arena. The 32-year-old from Belgrade took home all three previous ones this year (in Melbourne, Rome and Shanghai).