Nadal’s pull-out leaves Djokovic as world No. 1
Rafael Nadal has pulled out of next week's ATP Tour Finals in London due to injury, so Novak Djokovic will end the year as world No. 1 having returned to the top of the rankings on Monday.
French Open champion Nadal announced that an abdominal muscle problem, which prevented him from playing in the Paris Masters last week, and ankle surgery had forced him to pull out of the season-ending event.
"Unfortunately I had the abdominal problem in Paris last week and I also have an issue in the ankle joint that has to be removed in the operating room today," the 17-time Grand Slam winner wrote on Twitter.
"This way, I hope to be in full condition for next season."
American John Isner will take the 32-year-old's place in London when the Finals get underway on Sunday.
Kei Nishikori has also been drafted in to replace Argentinian Juan Martin del Potro who pulled out due to a knee injury.
Nadal's withdrawal in Paris meant Djokovic returned to the top of the world rankings.
The Serb will become the first player since ATP rankings were introduced in 1973 to end the year at No. 1 after having been outside the top 20 during the same season.
"Reflecting on what I've been through in the last year, it's quite a phenomenal achievement," said Djokovic. "And, of course, I'm very, very happy and proud about it.
"Five months ago, if you told me that, I would be - I always believe in myself, but it was highly improbable at that time considering my ranking and the way I played and felt on the court."
"What Novak has achieved this season has to go down as one of the great sporting comebacks," ATP executive chairman and president Chris Kermode said.
"It's been a phenomenal return to form that would have been hard to imagine just six months ago.
"He fully deserves his return to No. 1 in the ATP rankings and should be incredibly proud of his exceptional season."
Djokovic's dominant run ended on Sunday when he was beaten 7-5, 6-4 by Russian Karen Khachanov in the Paris Masters final. - REUTERS
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now
