Nadal plays down injury concerns

 

Originally published on: 09/11/10 10:34

Rafael Nadal has played down concerns over hit fitness ahead of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals despite withdrawing from the BNP Paribas Open this week.

“This [injury] is not a big problem,” admitted Nadal. “But I have to be careful, because if I had an injury now [it could] be difficult to play London and to play well in the beginning of the season next year. I’m not worried about London.”

The Spaniard has often struggled to maintain his level right up to the end of the season but had looked to have worked out his 2010 schedule to perfection. Under doctors oders, the 24-year-old Spaniard has agreed to withdraw from the Paris Masters in the hope of being ready for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

“For sure, for me [it is] disappointing not to be here,” said Nadal, who has not competed since his third round exit at the Shanghai Masters last month, adding; “[It] is the last Masters 1000 of the year, and for sure one of my favourites of the world. So was not easy decision.”

The nine-time Grand Slam champion has openly stated his desire to win the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, having lost all three of his round robin ties on the zippy indoor surface last year.

I’m going do all in my hands to play well there,” Nadal added. “[It] is probably the most difficult surface against the most difficult opponents for me, so probably is the more difficult tournament for me to win during the year. But I am here to try.”

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