Nadal loses, withdraws from ATP Finals
› My commitment was to try... I’ve missed this event too many times in my career. I was not enjoying it. But I had an unforgettable season. RAFAEL NADAL, After the loss
LONDON: Rafael Nadal will have to wait another year to win the ATP Finals. The world No. 1 withdrew from the elite season-ending tournament after losing his opening match to David Goffin 7-6 (5), 6-7 (4), 6-4 on Monday.
Nadal pulled out of the Paris Masters at the quarter-final stage 10 days ago and admitted ahead of the ATP Finals on the indoor hard-court he struggles on, that his knees, which have caused him trouble throughout his career, were still “not perfect.”
Despite having qualified 13 consecutive times for the ATP Finals, only eight of which he’s been fit enough to compete in, Nadal has never won the event. Spain will still be represented, as Nadal will be replaced by Pablo Carreno Busta. “My season is finished,” Nadal said. “Yeah, I had the commitment with the event, with the city, with myself. I tried hard.”
SOCK SHOCKS CILIC TO KEEP HOPES ALIVE
Jack Sock kept his dreams of a fairytale finish to his season alive, beating Wimbledon finalist Marin Cilic 5-7, 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) at the ATP Finals.
Cilic won the first set but found himself adrift in the second set as Sock levelled the round robin match. In a see-saw deciding set, Sock came from behind to win the set.
AITA FORMS PANEL TO CHECK AGE FRAUD
NEW DELHI: The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has formed a three-member committee to tackle the issue of age manipula- tion, but has left the onus on the complainants to provide documentary evidence for proving fraud cases.
It has been alleged by a number of parents that over-aged players compete at the National Championships, depriving genuine kids an opportunity to compete in a level-playing field.
More than 50 parents had submitted a petition to the AITA during the hard court Nationals at the DLTA last month, demanding action against over-age players competing in different age groups.