Rafa Nadal Gives Reason For Opting-out of Canadian Open

Rafael Nadal has chosen to turn down the chance to play at the Canada Masters 1000 event in Toronto this week due to not being fully fit.

The Spaniard, who won the tournament in 2019, will not be able to defend his crown owing to a slight injury in his left foot.

Nadal has therefore taken the decision to rest ahead of the US Open, having already travelled to North America.

“I’m sorry to announce I can’t take part [in the Canada Masters] this year,” said Nadal, revealing he was pulling out.

“My foot isn’t ready for it. It doesn’t feel good.

“I’ve tried because I like this tournament, but it wasn’t to be. I hope we see each other soon.”

The foot injury has been troubling Nadal for months and this latest setback in his recovery is a blow to his hopes to be in perfect condition for the US Open, having already missed Wimbledon and the Olympics.

Nadal played his first competitive tennis in months last week in Washington but lost in the second round, where he was troubled by his foot.

Since losing in the French Open semi-final on June 11, Nadal has played just two matches and has missed weeks of practice as well.

The US Open, his next target, begins on August 30.