2018 ATP Finals: Rafael Nadal ruled out of London event

2018 ATP Finals

• What: eight-player men’s tennis season-ending event
• When: 11-18 November
• Where: The O2, London
• Tickets: axs.com
• TV channel: live on Sky Sports
• The players: Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Alexander Zverev, Kevin Anderson, Marin Cilic, Dominic Thiem, Kei Nishikori, John Isner

Rafael Nadal’s season is over after he withdrew from the 2018 ATP Finals which start at The O2 in London on Sunday 11 November.

The Spaniard has been struggling with an abdominal injury and was forced to pull out of the Paris Masters last week. With London now not on his schedule the 17-time grand slam winner has also undergone surgery on his right ankle.

In a statement the 32-year-old said: “It has been a complicated year. I played at a very high level when I was able to compete, but at the same time it was very bad as far as injuries are concerned.

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“I have done everything possible to reach the end of the season in good condition, both in Paris and London, and I really wanted to play.

“But unfortunately, I had an abdominal problem in Paris last week and, in addition, I have a [problem] with my right ankle joint that [required] an operation [today].

“It is true that we have known about it for a while, and from time to time it bothered me. However, since the problem with my abdominal muscle also prevents me from playing in London, we are taking advantage of the moment to remove the free body and avoid future problems.

“With this, I hope to be in full health for the next season. Thank you all for your support.”

Nadal’s place in the eight-man tournament in London goes to John Isner. The American joins Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Alexander Zverev, Kevin Anderson, Marin Cilic, Dominic Thiem and Kei Nishikori on the bill at The O2.