Nadal forced out of ATP Finals by injury

RAFAEL Nadal has withdrawn from the ATP Final at London’s O2 Arena.

He was severely hampered by his knee injury during a three-set defeat to David Goffin.

Goffin beat the limping world No 1 7-6 (7/5) 6-7 (4/7) 6-4 and, after the match, Nadal announced he would be pulling out of the tournament.

It is the sixth time Nadal has withdrawn from this competition in 13 years of qualifying and he will now be replaced by Pablo Carreno Busta.

Nadal’s problematic right knee had forced him out of the Paris Masters earlier this month and there was always a question mark over whether he would be fit enough to play in London.

The 31-year-old fought hard against Goffin and saved four match points in the second set.

However, he was visibly wincing in the decider when he appeared to be running almost on heart alone.

“I am off. My season is finished,” Nadal said less than half an hour after his match had concluded.

“I tried hard. I did the thing that I had to do to try to be ready to play. But I am really not ready to play, no?”

The agony and the ecstasy. Left — Rafael Nadal is slumped in his chair after his loss to David Goffin. Right — The Belgian celebrates his victory.