Rafael Nadal pulls out of Rotterdam Open

Rafael Nadal pulls out of Rotterdam Open

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Australian Open runner-up Rafael Nadal has decided to pull out of the ATP 500 series tournament in Rotterdam on his doctor's advice. This is the second high-profile player pulling out of the ABN AMRO World Tournament after Stan Wawrinka withdrew last week due to a knee injury.

Rafael Nadal, who finished second to Roger Federer last week in a memorable final at the Australian Open, has announced that he will be pulling out of the indoor hard court event in Rotterdam, Netherlands next week. His doctors have advised him to give enough rest to his body before he gets ready for his favourite part of the tour, the clay court swing.

"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, tournament director) for the great support and understanding," Nadal posted on his Facebook page.

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"It is obviously a big setback for us that he is not playing. We were, just as all the tennis fans, strongly looking forward to seeing him in action in Rotterdam. We immediately tried to get a proper replacement for him, but that proved impossible, Richard Krajicek said in a statement.

"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," he added.

Marin Cilic will now be the top seed at the tournament. Nadal is expected to return to action at Acapulco in Mexico on February 27.

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