Rafael Nadal Pulls Out Of Rotterdam To Rest, Roger Federer Declines Replacement Spot

by Staff | February 9th, 2017, 9:31 pm
  • 16 Comments

With a heavy schedule ahead, Australian Open finalist Rafael Nadal has pulled out of next week’s Rotterdam indoor event.

“I am very sorry to announce I won’t be able to play in Rotterdam next week. After last year’s absence from some tournaments, I started this season well and made a significant effort during the Australian swing.

“It’s because of this that my doctors have strongly advised me to take it easy and give enough rest to my body before competing again to avoid further injuries. I fully understand that the Dutch fans will be disappointed. I am very thankful to Richard [Krajicek] for the great support and understanding.”


Nadal is still expected to play Acapulco and then both Masters events in March.

With Nadal and Stan Wawrinka out, Marin Cilic and Dominic Thiem will assume the roles of top seeds at the event.

Tournament director Krajicek tried to replace Nadal with Roger Federer but was unable to get the Swiss.

“In a short period we have contacted the complete top-five and Roger Federer, but unfortunately none of them was available on such a short notice,” Krajicek said.


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16 Comments for Rafael Nadal Pulls Out Of Rotterdam To Rest, Roger Federer Declines Replacement Spot

Humble Rafa Says:

My schedule needs to be approved by the doctor, Uncle Toni and my doll Xisca. Sometimes, they ask me, I have to admit.


DC Says:

I always need extra rest, be it between points or between tournaments.


the_mind_reels Says:

Does anyone know whether Nadal is citing a specific injury or just taking time to recover?


the_mind_reels Says:

(Nevermind. Seems like it’s not a specific injury — just rest.)


J.S. Says:

OMG I am so mad at Nadal…..UGH!!!!
Anyone want buy my airline/train/hotel/tournament pass???
Lesson Learned on getting excited to go see someone in a tournament, what was I thinking???

Small Fortune I wish I could get back!


the_mind_reels Says:

@J.S.: in 2007 I spent a couple of months puttering around Europe, and I had bought tickets in advance to travel to Halle to see Federer play. I was similarly disappointed when he pulled out having gone deep at Roland Garros that year. What a bummer!

Hope you find someone to help you unload.


Margot Says:

JS and tmr: happened to me at the 02 year too. Forked out a (small) fortune on tickets and Mr Murray didn’t show, poor show :(


Dennis Says:

The above comments show the folly of buying tickets to an event based solely on the hope of seeing one player. This especially goes for those who buy tickets for things like Master1000 or GS semi-finals and finals assuming player X will make it to those rounds, when he might lose early instead. A real tennis fan should still enjoy the event anyway.


Margot Says:

Lol! We’ve been told!


Chrisford1 Says:

I try to see some really good player I’ve never seen play or especially like to see play in person – on the practice courts. You also have a chance of combos! Safin-Federer. Even though I root for Djokovic with Fed the least favorite of mine in the big 4, largely thanks to his being tainted by Fed fans – but he sure does have awesome footwork.
Djokovic and Stan is a combo in practice I saw that regularly happens at tournaments.
See ’em in practice because your QF, semi, or Finals ticket is no guarantee, as everyone knows.


Giles Says:

JS . You’re mad at Nadal for wanting to rest his body?????
Are you a fan?


J.S. Says:

Toni Nadal just announced this is his last season touring with Rafa! BIG NEWS!!!
Can’t believe it isn’t mentioned here!

AND I am still selling my weekly (2nd row) seat, hotel/breakfast to Rotterdam – CHEAP! LOL

Come on tennis fans…help me out!


Deidre Says:

Someone on the team had to take the blame for the AO loss.


Giles Says:

^^^^ Immature and stupid comment!


J.S. Says:

You think so? That’s not Rafa’s first loss….Not sure what you mean!

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