Federer Pulls Out of Madrid with Injury

[VamosRafa]

FYI.

Federer injured pulls out

World number one Roger Federer has been forced to pull out next week's Masters Series Madrid after injuring himself during training on Wednesday.
Madrid, 12th October, 2005 - The Swiss suffers a strain in his right ankle ligament. He will be forced to take at least a two week break from competitive tennis and will also miss his local tournament in Basel.

Federer will visit the doctor a again and is considering coming to Madrid for a press conference.

“Federer has phoned today to tell me that he had had an injury while trying to hit a drive. He has a strong injury in his right ankle, so he won’t play in Madrid. He is walking on crutches”, has said Manolo Santana. “It’s a pity that Roger won’t be here because we really wanted to see him playing in the Madrid Arena, but injuries are something impossible to control. I know that Roger feels bad about this, because he was eagering to play in Madrid this year”.

Even though he might also be forced to miss the indoor tournament in Paris-Bercy, his doctors, however, said they were optimistic that he would be available to defend his title at the Shanghai Masters that begins on November 13.

 

[Kevin Patrick]

Sounds like '04 all over again. He's just not meant to play any indoor masters series.

 

[urban]

At first i thought, he would simply take a time out for Madrid. But the kind of injury - 'Bänderriss' in German, torn ligament perhaps in English - is looking grave. He would be extremely lucky to get ready for Shanghai in 4 weeks time.

 

[@wright]

It's not a torn ligament, it's a stretched ligament in his ankle. He is on crutches though.

 

[Rickson]

Federer's thigh injury sure didn't affect him last year. Federer is just saving himself for the TMC where he'll successfully defend his title once again.

 

[whealben]

Federer's thigh injury sure didn't affect him last year. Federer is just saving himself for the TMC where he'll successfully defend his title once again.

Yup, that was my first thought.

When will the ATP realise that there needs to be a drastic rehaul of players schedules? It's in nobody's interest to have players carrying niggles or full blown injuries. It's simply too gruelling. A month or so off for the top players is just ridiculous. I'm worried that more and more players will have a promising carrer ruined with the demands put on them.

Guga, Haas, to quote a couple, have had longevity sacrificed on the great multi $$$ business that is pro tennis today.

 

[urban]

The German speaking media are referring to a 'Bänderriss', which seems to be more serious than 'Bänderdehnung' (stretched ligament).

 

[VamosRafa]

Yup, that was my first thought.

When will the ATP realise that there needs to be a drastic rehaul of players schedules? It's in nobody's interest to have players carrying niggles or full blown injuries. It's simply too gruelling. A month or so off for the top players is just ridiculous. I'm worried that more and more players will have a promising carrer ruined with the demands put on them.

Guga, Haas, to quote a couple, have had longevity sacrificed on the great multi $$$ business that is pro tennis today.

It makes it seem rather silly that the Vienna organizers are demanding a hearing on Rafa's last-minute decision to pull out of Vienna, and that Rafa may be required to file a statement for his reasons for withdrawal. I think it's pretty obvious -- it's a long year, made even longer by Davis Cup and by the amount of tennis he has played by going deep into the draws of 10 tournaments.

I do not think, however, that Roger pulled out to save himself for Shanghai. I think the injury is legitimate, because he was planning to arrive in Madrid on Thursday, to do press duties, and he spoke about how he wanted to do well in Madrid.

From Diario AS, as translated from Spanish, October 11, 2005:

Federer: " A final between me and Rafael Nadal would be fantastic"


How do you feel these days just before arriving to Madrid, looking for this Masters Series that until now you haven't been able to win?

Madrid was a tournament I really missed in 2004. And in 2003 I lost in semifinals to Ferrero in a fantastic match. I know that it would be fantastic and more interesting for everyone if Nadal and I played a match against each other, but it would have to be in the final, because the number 1 and the number 2 are very far apart in the play chart. It would be the match everyone is waiting for. Like playing against Agassi in the US or against Hewitt in Australia. I'd love it.

What do you think of the season Rafael Nadal has made this 2005?

Ha ha....it's incredible. To jump up to the number 2, with with consistency and with the number of victories he's had says it all. His season has been incredible, with 10 titles and one of them a Grand Slam. he hasn't arrived to the number 1, but that happened to me with Roddick in 2003 and I ended number 2. I still remember how Rafa beat me in that semifinal in Roland Garros. It could be that in the last couple of months the calendar and long schedules he's had are paying off a bit, but I have no doubt that Rafa will be among the best, on the top for a very long time. There are no reasons to think otherwise.

 

[Aykhan Mammadov]

From one side a lot of people state that with Fed everything is not interesting because it is boring that he is winning all the time. But now everybody ( including me) probably clearly feels that without him things are even worser. Say, without Fed Madrid already droped a little it's interest.

 

[gugafanatic]

From one side a lot of people state that with Fed everything is not interesting because it is boring that he is winning all the time. But now everybody ( including me) probably clearly feels that without him things are even worser. Say, without Fed Madrid already droped a little it's interest.

Yeah I agree. Its almost like the winner of the tournament will not get that much credit because Federer was not playing. Without the world no 1, the rest of the pack will really fancy there chances.

 

[Kevin Patrick]

But Madrid still has doubles! and model ballgirls! Woo-hoo! can't wait!

 

[rhubarb]

Dropped a little interest? Without Safin, Hewitt and Agassi it had dropped a whole lot of interest anyway. Without Federer, a heck of lot more.

At least they have Nadal and Roddick. I hope.

 

[rhubarb]

But Madrid still has doubles! and model ballgirls! Woo-hoo! can't wait!

Please let me imagine there was a wink in that post.

 

[Kevin Patrick]

heheh, only the part about doubles. you going to Madrid, rhubarb?

 

[rhubarb]

heheh, only the part about doubles. you going to Madrid, rhubarb?

No, not this year Kevin, I'm off to the AO in January instead.

 

[VamosRafa]

At least they have Nadal and Roddick. I hope.

Rafa arrives on Friday 13.30 on an Air Europe flight, and will be training between 5 and 7 p.m. that evening.

I have a feeling there will be no shortage of Nadal info for this tournament. *rofl*

 

[Fedubai]

http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=tennisNews&storyID=URI:urn:newsml:reuters.com:20051012:MTFH93684_2005-10-12_21-13-19_L12133204:1

Latest says torn ligament...

 

[Marius_Hancu]

http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=tennisNews&storyID=URI:urn:newsml:reuters.com:20051012:MTFH93684_2005-10-12_21-13-19_L12133204:1

Latest says torn ligament...

DAMN.

Not sure which ligament and the full extent of the injury.
I had this. Needed surgery. And Hingis had it too.

I needed 6 months for rehab before playing tennis. Hingis was stupid enough not to listen to her docs, entered after 2.5 months and was finished for ever.

If this is really a fully torn ligament, it must be operated on and see the delays above. Same for Safin at the knee. Perhaps this is why Marat delays it on and on

Hoping it's not fully torn ...

 

[Fedubai]

On his website at the forum they are saying it'a strained, not torn...but that article and some others say torn. Then I read somewhere that it won't need surgery to correct, so...translation issues right now I think.

On his website home, and they ought to know, it says he 'injured it', doesn't say whether it's strained or torn. I guess he's giving a press conference at Madrid sometime in the next couple days, so, I guess we'll know then.

 

[federerhoogenbandfan]

I doubt you will see either Roddick or Nadal in the Madrid final. Roddick has not reached the final rounds of a fall indoor event, as you would think he would at some points, at his game should be suited to the surface, but in the past has not, so I dont see it as likely he will here either. As for Nadal, he will have the home crowd, but these courts are probably too fast for him to reach the final. I see both doing well but neither reaching the final, even if Agassi, Federer, Safin, and Hewitt all cant play.

 

[VamosRafa]

This is certainly someone's best chance to break the Federer/Nadal monopoly on Masters titles. Although some said the same about Montreal. But this surface will be more of a challenge for him. The key things going for him should be the crowd and his spot in the draw.

 

[arosen]

I sooooo hope that Roge strained a ligament and decided to lay it off for a bit. A torn ligament can undermine his entire career, God forbid. Seems like the door is wide open for Roddick. He's gonna win it if the surface plays fast.

 

[Tenny]

But Madrid still has doubles! and model ballgirls! Woo-hoo! can't wait!

Huh? Model ball girls? Do you mean Model Model or very good ball girls-strong shoulders for throwing balls, very fast, athletic etc.? If the latter is the case, Woo-hoo I can't wait!

BTW I don't mind Roger's excellency. Actually I enjoy watching him playing. I just wish there are more competition (more players who can seriously threaten Roger Fed).

 

[Kevin Patrick]

No, real models:

http://www.sportsmediainc.com/tennisweek/index.cfm?func=showarticle&newsid=14071&bannerregion=

 

[fastdunn]

Injuries on your right foot affect your backhand, especially 1 handed one....

 

[federerhoogenbandfan]

This is certainly someone's best chance to break the Federer/Nadal monopoly on Masters titles. Although some said the same about Montreal. But this surface will be more of a challenge for him. The key things going for him should be the crowd and his spot in the draw.

Is the draw for the Madrid event already out?

 

[VamosRafa]

Is the draw for the Madrid event already out?

No -- I was just commenting that he'll be the No. 1 seed. Last year he was a wildcard and would have been in the qualifying draw for Bercy had he played. So things are a bit different for him this year. ;-)

 

[splink779]

Sounds like someone is faking because he's scared of Nadal Anyway its a shame he'll miss it but I really hope he is ok for the Cup.

 

[VamosRafa]

Sounds like someone is faking because he's scared of Nadal Anyway its a shame he'll miss it but I really hope he is ok for the Cup.

Yeah, he doesn't want to lose more than 3 matches this year. ;-)

But seriously, I hope Roger isn't seriously injured. The latest reports strongly suggest he may not play before Shanghai, but should be ready for that. I read a report that said surgery definitely is not necessary, and that it shouldn't be a long-term issue.

This happens to all players. Roger has paced himself well this year, given all his success, and it sounds as though this was a fluke thing. But I do hope he's fine for Shanghai.

 

[Marius_Hancu]

Yeah, he doesn't want to lose more than 3 matches this year. ;-)

Understandably, still:

If he plays only the Masters Cup and wins it (5 matches), he might still need 1-2 victories to beat JMac's 82-3 record.

He seems to be 77-3 now.

 

[VamosRafa]

Understandably, still:

If he plays only the Masters Cup and wins it (5 matches), he might still need 1-2 victories to beat JMac's 82-3 record.

He seems to be 77-3 now.

I was kidding there. I think this just confirms that he has an injury and has to see to that first. Of course, he wants to break that record. And given the press reports leading into Madrid, he was working hard in preparation for the event.

 

[FedererUberAlles]

I hope Roger is okay, I really want to see a Shanghai Federer vs. Nadal final. That would be amazing.

 

[ACE of Hearts]

Are u kidding me?Jesus , now i start to wonder if he will really take care of himself, very dissapointing!

 

[equinox]

Nadal, Roger, Hewitt should all take the rest of the year off.

Screw these selfish tournament directors and there fines.

The players play far to much singles tennis already.

They're not going to play doubles too.

Tennis really needs an off season so the players can recover.

This is the atp fault, they're not representative of the players interests.

 

[VamosRafa]

Are u kidding me?Jesus , now i start to wonder if he will really take care of himself, very dissapointing!

I was about to defend Fed on this, because I thnk he's paced himself quite well, and this is just a fluke thing.

But there are so many Fed fans here, I'll let them do that.

 

[VictorS.]

Hopefully this isn't anything too serious, for the sake of tennis fans all over the world. Federer is truly a treat to watch on the court and it would be a pity (like he likes to say) if can't play in Shanghai.

My thinking is that it is probably a legit injury but if this were Wimbledon, he would be able to gut it out. I could be wrong and this could be serious....but that's just a gut feeling.

 

[VamosRafa]

Hopefully this isn't anything too serious, for the sake of tennis fans all over the world. Federer is truly a treat to watch on the court and it would be a pity (like he likes to say) if can't play in Shanghai.

My thinking is that it is probably a legit injury but if this were Wimbledon, he would be able to gut it out. I could be wrong and this could be serious....but that's just a gut feeling.

Madrid is not Wimbledon, certainly, but Roger won't play Basel (his home event), and also is questionable for the Paris Masters.

Where are the the legions of Rogi fans around here????

Support your guy. Because I think this is legit, and I'm seeing a lot of fair-weather fans here.

I do Nadal's site, and I'm feeling bad that Rogi, for once isn't getting enough support.

What's going on. Perhaps you are in denial? Or it's the off-season, so you don't care?

 

[equinox]

Nobody cares what happens after the us open anyway.

Let the players have 2 months rest time.

 

[the man to beat]

will safin defend then??

will roddick win a masters indoors?

will someone new come to the fore?

Well.... will will will !??!?

 

[Ronaldo]

“Federer has phoned today to tell me that he had had an injury while trying to hit a drive. He has a strong injury in his right ankle, so he won’t play in Madrid. He is walking on crutches”, has said Manolo Santana. Maybe he should stick to putting?

 

[Noelle]

Sad news. At least he can afford to sit a few tournaments out, being so far ahead of the pack (in points and in winning ability ). I'm hoping at least one person *ahemRODDICKahem* takes advantage of this and wins a Masters Series event.

Alas, previous experience (this year's Montreal) tells me this isn't going to happen.

 

[rhubarb]

Nobody cares what happens after the us open anyway.

Let the players have 2 months rest time.

Speak for yourself! Indoor season is pretty exciting, imo. More interesting when number one hasn't been locked up already though, I admit.

 

[GOAT]

Federer has paced himself extremely well, but advancing so far in basically every event he enters has to take a toll on him. It will be interesting to see who steps up in the upcoming masters event in his absence. The race to take the rankings below #1 is still pretty tight IMO, though I don't know if Nadal is still capable of being overtaken. This might as well be the chance that Roddick is looking for. I wouldn't be surprised to see some of the teen sensations behind Nadal step up as well.

I'm wishing a speedy recovery for Roger, and I hope to see him take the TMC title.

 

[Nuke]

Unless a player goes in for surgery, I usually don't pay any attention to the "injury reports." These days, claiming an injury is just standard operating procedure to get out of a tournament that the player is committed to.

 

[rhubarb]

Whilst it does seem that players often provide niggles for excuses to get out of tournaments that they could physically play if they really wanted to (Federer included, he's done it twice this year already), I think Roger is actually unable to play Madrid this time around. As VamosRafa already said, he did a press conference only this week and talked about the prospects of a final against Nadal etc, and he's also mentioned his intention to play the indoor season earlier, so it does look like he was certainly gearing up to play.

No doubt it will take pictures of him hobbling on crutches in Madrid to convince some people.

 

[@wright]

Madrid is not Wimbledon, certainly, but Roger won't play Basel (his home event), and also is questionable for the Paris Masters.

Where are the the legions of Rogi fans around here????

Support your guy. Because I think this is legit, and I'm seeing a lot of fair-weather fans here.

I do Nadal's site, and I'm feeling bad that Rogi, for once isn't getting enough support.

What's going on. Perhaps you are in denial? Or it's the off-season, so you don't care?

Injury? Umm, what injury? Federer is going to take Nadal OUT in the Masters Cup! It's going to be ugly! He could take anyone else out even with an injury (if he had one, luckily he doesn't!)

 

[Fedubai]

Federer's been pretty honest about his withdrawals, actually. Like last time, he said he was too tired when Madrid came around. Paris and Basel were that thigh injury. Montreal and Rome this year, he said the foot injury (which is pretty obviously legit, he had it for about 6 months). Why would he lie this something? It certainly seems out of character and I don't doubt this injury for a second.

Everyone knows how much he wants to win Basel anyway. He wouldn't tell his fans in Switzerland that he would play in Basel in 2005 and then pull out. Yeah, some of you are going to come up with the old darker side of these guys that we don't know, they're all PR, but I say name me a time when Federer has actually lied.

 

[sunrise]

Lista oficial de jugadores para el Masters Series Madrid 2005:
Official list of the players for the Master Series Madrid 2005

Too bad for Fed.

1. Nadal, R. (ESP)
2. Roddick, A. (USA)
3. Davydenko, N. (RUS)
4. Coria, G. (ARG)
5. Gaudio, G. (ARG)
6. Puerta, M. (ARG)
7. Nalbandian, D. (ARG)
8. Henman, T. (GBR)
9. Gasquet, R. (FRA)
10. Johansson, T. (SWE)
11. Ferrer, D. (ESP )
12. Hrbaty, D. (SVK)
13. Stepanek, R. (CZE)
14. Ljubicic, I. (CRO)
15. Robredo, T. (ESP)
16. Lopez, F. (ESP)
17. Ferrero, J. C. (ESP)
18. Gonzalez, F. (CHI)
19. Ancic, M. (CRO)
20. Novak, J. (CZE)
21. Youzhny, M. (RUS)
22. Dent, T. (USA)
23. Rochus, O. (BEL)
24. Rusedski, G. (GBR)
25. Haas, T. (GER)
26. Mirnyi, M. (BLR)
27. Moya, C. (ESP)
28. Berdych, T. (CZE)
29. Grosjean, S. (FRA)
30. Beck, K. (SVK)
31. Volandri, F. (ITA)
32. Kiefer, N. (GER)
33. Pavel, A. (ROM)
34. Hanescu, V (ROM)
35. Melzer, J.(AUT)
36. Monfils, G. (FRA)
37. Acasuso, J. (ARG)
38. Mathieu, P.H. (FRA)
39. SE – ATP
40. Massu, N. (CHI)
41. Costa, A (ESP)
42. Verdasco, F (ESP)
43. FASE PREVIA
44. FASE PREVIA
45. FASE PREVIA
46. FASE PREVIA
47. FASE PREVIA
48. FASE PREVIA

1º Fuera de la lista:

1. Ginepri, R. (USA)
2. Spadea, V. (USA)
3. Blake, J. (USA)
4. Chela, J. I. (ARG)


Nota: Guillermo Cañas (28 ATP) por suspensión y Joachim Johansson (16 ATP) por lesión en el hombro no han entrado en el cuadro.

 

[Kevin Patrick]

Fedubai, I'll bet you anything he never plays all 3 clay masters series in preparation for the French. Almost no one ever does. Nadal didn't. Muster never did.
And ditto Montreal. He just needed rest, he wasn't injured. Doesn't it make sense? He played the French, Halle, Wimbledon. Why play Montreal? It's just a warmup for the US Open. He needed rest for the Open

I don't know how long you've been following tennis, but players have been coming up with injuries in order to get some rest for at least 30 years.
Even good guys like Borg, Edberg, Wilander. And Federer(though this is obviously legit) as well.

 

[Fedubai]

I know that, but it doesn't mean you have to lie. Why lie? Don't they have enough money, what's a little fine if you've told the truth?

If you need to pull out for some reason, say that reason. There has been enough of a watering down of standards for integrity.

I'm just saying that it seems like Federer has been pretty honest with his withdrawals. Just because one of us thinks it's not needed for Federer to play Montreal, so why not just pull out, doesn't mean that's what happened.

And p.s., the attitude that everyone is lying and being a PR guy eventually taints your view on things. So whenever anyone says something or does something, he must have a bad motive and he must be lying. Pretty soon, no one has any truly good intentions, and no one tells the truth. I think it's important to look at these things objectively. Not saying that you don't, but it seems to be sort of an accepted attitude around here...