Rafael Nadal has announced his withdrawal from Basel as he recovers from a slight knee injury that he suffered in Shanghai.
The World number one has only played the Swiss Indoors event twice in the last five years and as a result of a knee problem, will once again miss out in Basel. The Spaniard has a recent history of knee problems and it seems to have reoccurred once again in Shanghai last week.
Here is what the 16 time grand slam champion had to say about his absence in Switzerland next week ‘I sadly announce that I have to pull out of the Swiss Indoors Basel, after seeing my doctor in Spain just after landing from Shanghai, I am suffering from an over stressing of the knee and the problems where already present at the tournament in Shanghai which now forces me to take a time off on advice of my doctor. After two great weeks in China, with the title in Beijing and the final in Shanghai it is time for some rest. I want to send a special message to the many tennis fans in Switzerland which have always showed great support and respect also on my matches with Roger. Hope to see you next year.’
The latest news will be a big blow to Nadal and his fans as the Spaniard has been having a magnificent season after winning six titles, which included two grand slams and also became the new world number one. He will now hope to recover in time to compete in Paris and the season ending finale in London.
Roger Federer is also a doubt for next week’s tournament in Basel as he chases Rafael Nadal’s 3,000 point lead at the top of the ATP rankings.
