Nicolas Almagro will replace Rafael Nadal in the Abu Dhabi field – Tennis News
Tennis fans are extremely disappointed from the news of Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal from the exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi. The King of Clay was to make his long-awaited comeback at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship on
28th of December but his troubled stomach delayed his return to the tennis courts once again. However, Spanish fans will still see two of their leading tennis stars in action, as the world number 11, Nicolas Almagro, has committed to replace Nadal
for the exhibition tournament. Fifth ranked Spanish, David Ferrer, is already a part of 2012 Mubadala World Tennis Championship.
Nadal has been announcing his returns to the professional circuit in the recent past but every time he has to call it off. He was supposed to return to action at the US Open two months ago. However, his injured knee didn’t allow
him to be a part of the last Grand Slam tournament of the season. The King of Clay then cited his comeback at the circuit-ending grand finale, the Barclays ATP world Tour Finals but again disappointment was the fate of his fans.
Everyone was very excited to see Nadal in action after a gap of six months and a lot of hype was created for Mubadala World Tennis Championship. It was reported by the Spaniard himself that he has fully recovered from his knee
injury and is fit as a fiddle to play tennis. All was going well when a sudden withdrawal from the upcoming event was announced by Nadal and it was a stomach problem this time.
On the other hand, Almagro is delighted to be part of the Abu Dhabi exhibition event and wants to compete against the world’s best tennis athletes prior to the beginning of 2013 ATP season. He will take Nadal’s place in the semi-final
round and will face the winner of the opening day’s encounter between Andy Murray and Janko Tipsarevic.
“No matter where, when or who I play, I play to win and that will be my approach come match time whether it’s Murray or Tipsarevic. They are both tremendous players and I will need to be at my best,” Almagro said. “This championship
has gained the reputation of being one of the elite events in the region and I am excited to be able to join such a great group of players here in Abu Dhabi. This already has the feel of a Grand Slam quarter-final and will be great preparation for the upcoming
season.” he added.
The exhibition event starts from 27th of December and the final will be played on 29th.
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