Rafael Nadal to miss US Masters events in Toronto and Cincinnati because of wrist injury

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from Toronto and Cincinnati tournaments owing to a wrist injury. It is understood that the 14 time grand slam champion hurt his wrist during a practice session on Tuesday. The news derails Nadal’s preparations for his title defence at the US Open, which starts less than a month from now. The Rogers Cup in Toronto issued a statement in a news release earlier tonight confirming that the world No.2 has indeed withdrawn from both the tournaments.

“I’m extremely disappointed that I am unable to defend my Rogers Cup title this year,” said Nadal. “I was looking forward to coming there and playing again in Toronto as I have always loved to play in Canada and had great results in the past at a very important event. Unfortunately I injured myself yesterday during practice and after checking with my doctors I will have to stay out of competition for at least 2-3 weeks. I am sorry to the tournament and to all of the fans.”

Benito Perez-Barbadillo, the man who manages Nadal’s affairs had also sent out a separate mailer to the press affirming that the player was injured and shall be sidelined for at least 2-3 weeks. Rogers Cup starts next Monday, while the event in Cincinnati is scheduled to start from 11 August.

Nadal’s manager has informed that the player needs to wear a cast on his wrist for at least two to three weeks. Even though Nadal is expected to play the U.S. Open, it is a decision that shall be finally made based on doctor’s opinion before the final grand slam event of the year. The US Open is scheduled to start from 25 August.

The Spaniard was the defending champion at both the ATP World Tour Masters Series events and his absence means that the left hander will arrive at Flushing Meadows, if at all, with barely any hard court preparation. Nadal has not played tennis since losing to Nick Kyrgios in the fourth round of Wimbledon.

“We know Rafa is a fan favourite and our fans will be upset by his absence,” said Karl Hale, Rogers Cup tournament director. “But we also know that if Rafa could play he would as he has a great respect for our event and his Canadian fans. We wish him well and hope he returns to the Tour healthy as soon as possible.”

The tournament will feature eight of the Top 10 players in the world, including world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer and Canadian superstar Milos Raonic, who will have the home crowd rooting for him. The biggest beneficiary of Nadal’s withdrawal is Andy Murray. The Scot will move up the seedings to 8th now, which means he shall receive a bye in the first round.