Rafael Nadal withdraws from Basel Open

Rafael Nadal, has withdrawn from the Basel open, as a precaution for his right knee. During last week’s final against Roger Federer, the Spaniard’s right knee was taped up. When asked about it after the match, Rafael Nadal replied-‘I don’t want to talk about that [the strapping on his knee] now, sorry,’ he said after the 6-4 6-3 loss. ‘After losing final is not the moment. I am not worried, though. ‘don’t know about Basel. I need to think about it. I cannot tell you now.

The numbers game: Nadal or Federer?

However, Nadal took to his official Facebook page to announce his withdrawal from the Basel open, earlier today. This of course means that Roger Federer will be seeded number one in his hometown. What’s  more important is that 500 points are up for grabs for Roger Federer. Federer, who clinched the Shanghai masters, last week, is just about 2000 points behind Nadal. If Federer manages to clinch the title in Basel, he will reduce the gap to 1,460.

Both Rafa and Roger are expected to play in Paris and London later this year. There are just 1000 and 1500 points up for grabs respectively. However, Federer’s plans to play in Paris are also undecided;  He said,‘ I’ll just try to be healthy now. Go back to the drawing board when I go back to Switzerland tomorrow with my team. Then we’ll decide what I’m going to play – Basel, Paris – one of those tournaments or both or none – before I go to London because that’s my priority right now. ‘I want to really win the World Tour Finals and then we’ll take it from there next week.’

Implications of the Nadal Withdrawal

Nadal’s withdrawal might encourage Roger Federer to play both Basel and Paris. If Federer manages to win at Basel, and puts up a decent performance in Paris, the season finale at the  Nitto ATP Finals is guaranteed to be a nail biting finish to what has turned out to be an exciting year for both the veterans.

Rafa posted the following message on his official Facebook page:

“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.”