Rafael Nadal announced Monday that did not play the Masters Cup in Shanghai by physical problems that drag and noted that this decision will allow it to focus on the Davis Cup final against Argentina and Spain.Through an official statement on its website, the Spanish tennis acknowledged that the decision is one of the toughest he has taken in his life, but admitted that his physical condition prevents him from tackling the final stretch of the season with the freshness necessary .
The final of the Davis will be played between 21 and Nov. 23 in the Argentine resort of Mar Plate.
I know that many people were speculating on this news and believe that despite not having some tests done by the time I can say that I have taken the right decision. I do so because I want to be restored to prepare for the important event in Mar del Plata with my country, said the world number one.
Nadal had to leave their duel for the quarter-finals at the Paris Masters against the Russian Nikolay Davydenko. After losing the first set, Nadal was unable to continue by an injury to his right knee.
Although it is not yet known the extent of the problems that forced him to retire in Paris, the Spanish player acknowledged that the large amount of tournaments to win the coveted number one at the ATP has been able to harm him.
This has been a difficult years in which I have achieved very positive results both in sporting and human. I do not know if it was a mistake or not, but if that goal is fulfilled on the one hand but with the injury to find me at the moment with one of the decisions that caused me more pain, he said.
Nadal ended the reign of four and a half years of Swiss Roger Federer as the first ranking after a season in which won its fourth consecutive crown at the French Open, her first title at Wimbledon and was awarded the gold medal at the Games Beijing Olympic.
The Masters Cup, which starts next Sunday, brings together the eight best players of the season.
Nadal asked for forgiveness for all the fans of China and the organizers of the tournament and expressed his desire to return to Shanghai in 2009. It pains me to disappoint so many fans around the world that awaited this event and my involvement, he said.
Will need to be replaced by Frenchman Gilles Simon, who was ninth in the Race of Champions of the ATP.
The decline in the Spanish will facilitate the mission Federer, who would go for fifth title at the Masters Cup after their victories in 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007.
On Sunday, Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga secured the last seat directly to the tournament by winning the Masters title after defeating pariah in the final to Argentine David Nalbandian.
Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Davydenko, Andy Roddick and Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro round out the group of participants in the Masters Cup.
