Rafael Nadal: lingering injury may cause problems in London

Rafael Nadal withdrew from the Paris Masters last week before his quarterfinals match. Now, fans will see just how healthy he is in London.

Rafael Nadal begins his campaign on Monday at the ATP Finals in London.

The year-end world No. 1 is set to face Belgium’s David Goffin during the second match of the day at The O2 Arena. He headlines his round robin group this week, but many continue to speculate just how severe his current knee is.

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Last week, Nadal withdrew from the 2017 Paris Masters before quarterfinals action. He asserted that the decision was not solely about play in London, but about his overall longevity moving forward. Now, fans and players alike wait to see how he comes out at The O2 Arena on Monday.

Rafael Nadal is seeking his first ever ATP Finals title.

After wrist injuries preventing Nadal from giving 2016 his all, he has rallied on the 2017 ATP World Tour. He and Roger Federer both have largely dominated the season, splitting Grand Slam titles throughout the year.

Former British No. 1 and SkySports commentator Greg Rusedski predicts that Nadal will play a single game again Goffin before withdrawing due to injury. Even if he is wrong about the Spanish tennis star playing just one game on Monday, all are eager to see how the world No. 1 appears on the court. Nadal has been seen practicing this week at The O2 Arena in London.

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If Rafael Nadal is not healthy enough to make a strong run in London, the path could be cleared for Roger Federer. The Swiss great won his London opener over American Jack Sock. While Sock fought hard in the second set, his effort was not enough against the six-time ATP Finals champion. Federer is looking to cap of an already fantastic year on the ATP World Tour with a title victory in London. Also winning Sunday was young German star Alexander Zverev. He defeats former US Open champion Marin Cilic in his opener.

All eyes are on Nadal this Monday evening at The O2 Arena. The early match features Grigor Dimitrov and Dominic Thiem. There is no doubt that both players will also be waiting to see just how healthy the world No. 1 is. Stay tuned to see if the knee injury is as serious as some predict. Check back for updates on Rafael Nadal’s progress throughout the 2017 ATP Finals in London.

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