World No.2 Rafael Nadal has pulled out of Queen’s. The Roland Garros champion announced on his Facebook page that he will not be playing the tournament.
“I am very sorry to say that I am not going to be able play Queen’s next week. I am sad to make this decision because I love Queen’s, I won the tournament in 2008 and every time I reached the Wimbledon final it was after playing Queen’s. I was hoping to take some days off and then be ready, but at 31, and after a long clay court season with all of the emotions of Roland Garros, and after speaking to my team and doctors, I have decided my body needs to rest if I am going to be ready to play Wimbledon. Sorry to all the great fans in Britain and to the tournament organisers. I hope to see you at Queen’s next year.”
There had been hope that, given the changes made over the last few years, made by adding an additional week to the grass court season that more top players would be able to compete at pre-Wimbledon grass events. Nadal and others who progressed deep into the French Open would often have to leave Paris to take part in matches on Mondays or Tuesdays at Queen’s Club early the next week. The changes made in 2015 were made with players including Nadal in mind, though the decision has made little difference this year. Nadal is a former winner of the Aegon Championships, having won the title in 2008. He then went on to defeat Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final in the same year.
The tournament will still boast a highly competitive roster. With World No.1 and defending champion Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka, Milos Raonic, Grigor Dimitrov, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and Marin Cilic all scheduled to appear. David Goffin is still listed but given his injury suffered at the French Open it will be surprising if he plays.
