The third day of the ATP World Tour Finals saw Roger Federer qualify for the semifinals 24 hours after his rival, Rafael Nadal, withdrew. In the wake of Tuesday’s events, here is how the media in Europe have reported them.
El Pais – Pablo Carreno Busta’s Debut
In the wake of Nadal’s withdrawal from the competition, Spanish hopes lie with replacement Pablo Carreno Busta. El Pais wrote about his journey to the season-ending finals and his reaction to Nadal’s retirement.
“I’m sorry for Rafa, really. It’s a pity that it’s because of circumstances like that, but I’m going to try to enjoy the prize,” Carreno Busta said.
Samuel Lopez, who is Carreno Busta’s trainer, told El Pais that the Spaniard has improved his intensity and consistency on the tour within recent months.
The Daily Mail – Federer keeps his cool
Mike Dickson writes about Roger Federer qualifying for the semifinals of the ATP Finals for the 14th time in his career. Also arguing that the quality of this year’s tournament has been ‘better than in recent years.’ Both of Tuesday’s singles match at The O2 Arena went to three sets.
The Daily Mirror and The Sun Cover Nadal’s Australian Open doubts
Neil McLeman focuses on Nadal’s ability to play at the Australian Open in January due to the current state of his knee. Former player Greg Rusedski, has also expressed his own doubts concerning the world No.1 and his appearance in Melbourne.
The Sun Newspaper also covers the topic, mentioning Andy Murray’s presence too. According to Murray’s coach Jamie Delgardo, he is ‘on the right track‘ to play in the first grand slam of 2018.
The Times – Sock’s wake-up call
The Times writes about a fire alarm that occurred at the hotel Jack Sock and other players are currently staying at. On the morning of his Tuesday match against Marin Cilic, he was forced to evacuate his room at 4am. Prompting a humorous response from the American.
“It was probably one of the most annoying noises I’ve ever heard in my entire life.” He told reporters in London.
El Pais – Nadal and the double face of ambition
Alejandro Ciriza comments about Nadal’s season and how his efforts have taken its toll on him.
“In the late night of London, after falling in front of David Goffin and saying goodbye to the Masters Cup because his patellar tendon, Rafael Nadal said goodbye to the international press in a good tone despite the fact that the pain prevented him from articulating with normality with his right knee. It was not the closure he would have liked or imagined, because it meant closing another year pending an injury and pain, a constant in his career.” One paragraph reads.
