World No. 6 Rafael Nadal has decided to call curtains on his 2016 season to recover fully from a wrist injury.
Announcing the decision on his official Facebook page on Thursday, the Mallorcan said, “It is no secret that I arrived to the Olympic Games short of preparation and not fully recovered, but the goal was to compete and win a medal for Spain. This forced recovery has caused me pain since then and now I am forced to stop and start preparing the 2017 season.”
This news comes a day after Nadal inaugurated his tennis academy in his home town of Manacor. The event was attended by Roger Federer as well, who was specially invited by Nadal.
2016 has had been a hit-and-miss season for Nadal, who compiled a 39-14 win-to-loss record. He won two titles in Monte Carlo and at the Barcelona Open, but the year went downhill from there. He pulled out after the third round at the French Open, where he’s won nine of his 14 Slams and missed the entire grass season trying to recuperate from the injury.
Nadal ending the season now opens prospects for Dominic Thiem and Tomas Berdych, who are vying for a place in the World Tour Finals, in London. Prior to his withdrawal from the season, Nadal was seventh in the Race to London.