Injury blights Nadal at Paris Masters; Djokovic into final

Injury blighted Rafael Nal again as he pulled out of his Paris Masters semifinal on Saturday, meaning top-ranked vak Djokovic will go for his fifth title at indoor tournament against Denis Shapovalov. Fans hopeful of seeing a 55th career matchup between Nal and Djokovic in Sunday’s final were disappointed to learn, moments before second semifinal was scheduled to begin, that Nal withdrew because of an abdominal injury. same injury forced Nal out just before start of last year’s tournament at Bercy Arena and ended his season. “I went through this in past, so that’s why recommendation of doctors (was) to t play,” Nal said. “I have to take that decision.”

second-ranked Spaniard said he felt injury flare-up in morning as he practised a few hours before facing 20-year-old Canian. A scan revealed a small strain. Nal returned to practice and still felt pain serving. He decided it wasn’t worth risking a bigger injury. Last year, Nal missed season-ending ATP Finals in London because of abdominal injury but hopes he can recover in time for this year’s finals starting on v. 10. “I hope to be rey for London, that’s biggest goal w,” he said. “I will do all that’s possible to recover for it.”

Earlier, Djokovic reached his sixth Paris Masters final beating Grigor Dimitrov 7-6 (5), 6-4. He is aiming for a 77th career title, a 34th in Masters events. He has a 3-0 record against Shapovalov, who is playing in only his second career final and his first at a Masters. “Well, of course, it’s t way I want to reach my first finals,” Shapovalov said, referring to Nal’s injury. “But neless it’s a great opportunity for me ... I’m t one to cut down risk, so I’m going to go for it.”

In a tight opening set where neir faced a breakpoint, Dimitrov cracked in tiebreaker faced with defensive resilience of Djokovic. With Dimitrov up 5-4 and controlling exchanges, a 32-stroke rally ended when he vanced to net and tried an extravagant forehand volley to left. He could have played an easier shot with a controlled backhand to vacant right side of court. ball landed out and Djokovic punched air, roaring in relief.

n, on set point, a 35-stroke rally ended when Dimitrov chopped a backhand long. “He was probably better player in tiebreak. I mand to get returns into play and just make him play an extra shot,” Djokovic said. “We both really understood importance of clinching first set so we could feel a bit more relaxed in second and start swinging through.” Djokovic broke Dimitrov in fifth game of second set when unseeded Bulgarian swatted a forehand long. Serving for match, Djokovic held to love.

Djokovic won his first title here 10 years ago and three straight from 2013-15. He lost his only final last year to Karen Khachav. He is bidding to finish year as . 1 for sixth time, which would move him one ahe of Roger Federer and Jimmy Conrs, and into a tie with all-time leer Pete Sampras. Nal is looking to seal year-end top ranking for fifth time. His injury last year ensured Djokovic ended as . 1.