Nadal, 31, withdrew from the Paris Masters just hours before his quarter-final clash with Filip Krajinovic.
The Spaniard called a press conference this afternoon and said: “I was here to win, I’m sorry for the fans and organisation. That is the same of Roland Garros, it’s like family to me.”
Nadal then gave a clue as to his mindset – fearing playing on could result in his career ending early.
And with the season-ending ATP World Tour finals starting at the O2 in just 10 days time, there’s little chance for Nadal to fully recover from the ongoing problem.
He added: “I’m not thinking about London, I’m thinking long term, to be able to continue playing tennis.”
The 16-time Grand Slam champion has already sealed the world No 1 spot and playing on could lead to even more issues in 2018.
Nadal had strapping under his right knee yesterday during the three-set win over Pablo Cuevas.
Asked about it after the match, he initially claimed he was “100 per cent” and dismissed talk of it keeping him out of London.
“Anything can happen in one week and a half,” Nadal said. “But if nothing strange happens then I’m going to be there.”
But despite his insistence otherwise, Nadal is NOT 100 per cent. The issue is a serious one and although he’s never won the season-ending finals, the risk could far exceed any reward.
A Nadal withdrawal will see Roger Federer as the huge favourite to lift the ATP World Tour finals for a seventh time.