Rafael Nadal pulls out of Abu Dhabi

[Kilco]

From Facebook:I am very disappointed that I will not be able to compete this year in Abu Dhabi. I was really excited about returning to play and I always have a wonderful experience at the event and this is the first time I will miss the tournament.

My rehab has gone well, my knee feels good and I was looking forward to competing. Unfortunately doctors have informed me that my body needs to rest in order to fight this stomach virus. I would like to say sorry to all my fans in the United Arab Emirates and around the world, but I hope to play and win in Abu Dhabi again next year.

[Kilco]

Stomach virus?? hmmmm

[Hood_Man]

Just seen this as well. That stomach virus is getting everywhere it seems

[RAFA2005RG]

Nadal also had a virus in early 2011, when he was going for The Rafa Slam.

[SQA333]

Originally Posted by RAFA2005RG

Nadal also had a virus in early 2011, when he was going for The Rafa Slam.

So we can expect another QF exit in straight sets at the Australian Open?

[Nostradamus]

Originally Posted by Kilco

Stomach virus?? hmmmm

now watch, he is going to catch the Mono just in time to skip the Aussie open too.

[Mike Sams]

Funny how no knee problems or viruses show up during clay season

[recreationalplayer]

Raffa and Uncle Tony are making a calculated decision to make sure Raffa is as close as possible to being 100% upon entering the FO. The AO begins in about 2 & 1/2 weeks and I'm not so sure he will be there even though he probably will be. But at the AO or not, don't be fooled into thinking he isn't doing a lot of high level practice and conditioning. But on clay and grass is where Raffa will have his best chance of winning another major and that is the overriding priority, winning another major.

[Mike Sams]

Originally Posted by recreationalplayer

Raffa and Uncle Tony are making a calculated decision to make sure Raffa is as close as possible to being 100% upon entering the FO. The AO begins in about 2 & 1/2 weeks and I'm not so sure he will be there even though he probably will be. But at the AO or not, don't be fooled into thinking he isn't doing a lot of high level practice and conditioning. But on clay and grass is where Raffa will have his best chance of winning another major and that is the overriding priority, winning another major.

So what about the knee? If his knee is screwed, how will it even matter whether he comes back on clay or grass or hardcourts?

[RAFA2005RG]

Originally Posted by SQA333

So we can expect another QF exit in straight sets at the Australian Open?

Nadal said he doesn't expect a triumph, and that he is aiming to be in form by Monte Carlo. Does that sound like someone who would complain about a QF exit in his first tournament back?

[RAFA2005RG]

Originally Posted by Mike Sams

So what about the knee? If his knee is screwed, how will it even matter whether he comes back on clay or grass or hardcourts?

Nadal won Roland Garros by numbing his knee. Nadal recently said that his knee has improved. Nadal values Roland Garros so much that he will be willing to numb his knee once again. He doesn't care about Wimbledon or the other events. Sure he will gladly win those events too, but it is essential that Nadal wins Roland Garros each year. He'd be willing to numb his knee once again to make sure he keeps that title, no doubt.

[cc0509]

Originally Posted by SQA333

So we can expect another QF exit in straight sets at the Australian Open?

He won't play the AO.

[cc0509]

Originally Posted by Mike Sams

So what about the knee? If his knee is screwed, how will it even matter whether he comes back on clay or grass or hardcourts?

His knee is not screwed. When are fans going to wake up?

[pringles]

Originally Posted by cc0509

He won't play the AO.

How do you know?

[cc0509]

Originally Posted by pringles

How do you know?

We will see won't we?

[single_handed_champion]

Originally Posted by Mike Sams

So what about the knee? If his knee is screwed, how will it even matter whether he comes back on clay or grass or hardcourts?

Is it possible you discuss this game no end without knowing anything about how it is played? Hardcourts are terrible for the knees. Clay is best, grass is in the middle because you still need to bend low on grass.

[TMF]

Fed had mono, far more complication than Rafa's stomach ache and still play throughout the year without any rest.

[zam88]

I can't see much upside to him gutting out the AO.

For someone of Nadal's status it'd hardly worth entering unless you think you can win... i realize there's a lot of points to defend.

[TMF]

Henin also had a stomach problem in 2006 and still show up to play Mauresmo in the final. And she's a women.

[cc0509]

Originally Posted by TMF

Henin also had a stomach problem in 2006 and still show up to play Mauresmo in the final. And she's a women.

He does not have a stomach virus!