After Novak Djokovic's withdrawal, Rafael Nadal will also not play the ATP Masters 1000 in Montreal as the draw opens up for young guns.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion is preparing for the US swing which he imagines will finish with his 23rd Grand Slam title. However, his US Open participation is now in doubt as Rafael Nadal withdrew from the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Montreal due to an injury.
“I have been practising for a while now without serving and started with serves four days ago,” said Nadal in a statement via Tennis Canada. “Everything has been going well. However yesterday, after my normal practice, I felt a slight bother on my abdominal and today it was still there.
“After speaking with my doctor, we prefer to take things in a conservative way and give a few more days before starting to compete. I would like to thank Eugene, the Tournament Director, and all his team for understanding and supporting me and this decision."
“I am very sad not to finally travel to Montréal. It’s a tournament that I have won 5 times and I love to play there. I seriously hope I can come back there to play in front of the amazing crowds up there.”