As widely anticipated, Rafael Nadal will not play the ATP1000 in Shanghai. According to reports, the Spanish sensation didn’t really have the intention to compete during the Asian swing this year also because of his impending wedding. The Mallorcan is also well-known for not being very keen on playing after the US Open if he has a deep and tough run. This is what has happened this year after Nadal won the last slam of the year following a gigantic final against an in-form Daniil Medvedev.
During a press conference at the Flushing Meadows, Nadal didn’t hide the fact that he had the intention to play only 2 more events for the rest of the year (besides the Laver Cup). One was obviously the ATP Finals and there were some doubts about the “second event.” Eventually, Rafa opted to play in Bercy the last ATP1000 of the season to avoid a taxing trip in China and take more time to recover his battered body after the US Open.
Nadal’s statement about his wrist
Rafa released the following statement:
“Hi all, I am very sad to announce that I won’t be able to play in Shanghai this year. It is the second year in a row and in China I have great fans. The tournament is amazing and the city one of the most special places around the world.
But, as you all probably know, I had an inflammation on my left wrist during the Laver Cup and I haven’t had the time to recover and practice to be ready for this amazing event. I hope to be back in Shanghai for the 2020 tournament.”
@RafaelNadal said: "“Hi all, I am very sad to announce that I won’t be able to play in Shanghai this year. It is the second year in a row and in China I have great fans. The tournament is amazing and the city one of the most special places around the world.
— Rolex Shanghai Masters (@SH_RolexMasters) October 4, 2019
@RafaelNadal continues: “But, as you all probably know, I had an inflammation on my left wrist during the Laver Cup and I haven’t had the time to recover and practice to be ready for this amazing event. I hope to be back in Shanghai for the 2020 tournament.”
— Rolex Shanghai Masters (@SH_RolexMasters) October 4, 2019
Rafael Nadal’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.2, Nadal played his last match on the 8th of September when he defeated Daniil Medvedev 7-5 6-3 5-7 4-6 6-4 in the final in U.S. Open to win his 84th career title.
This year the Spaniard has a 47-6 win-loss record. Nadal clinched 4 titles in 2019 in Rome, at the French Open, in Montreal and at the U.S. Open. The Spaniard was the finalist at the Australian Open.
Rafael Nadal |
| Embed from Getty Images |
