It’s off! No Fedal meeting as Rafael Nadal withdraws from Roger Federer clash

There was to be no 39th career meeting between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer during the 2019 Indian Wells Masters after the former withdrew due to injury.
The duo were due to meet in the semi-final of the BNP Paribas Open, but the 17-time Grand Slam winner pulled out because of a right knee problem.
Nadal admitted after his quarter-final win over Karen Khachanov that he was struggling, but gave it until Saturday to make a decision.
Unfortunately his knee just didn’t quite feel right.
“I warmed up today and I felt that my knee was not good to compete at the level I needed to compete in semi-final,” the Spaniard said.
“It’s tough for me to accept all these things that I’m going through in my career. Sometimes I feel sad because I’m in a disadvantage to all my opponents.
“[I need to] be positive and grateful for all the things tennis has given to me. I feel fortunate for all the things I’ve done in my life and the world of tennis.”
Nadal’s withdrawal means Federer advances to his third consecutive Indian Wells final and he will face either Milos Raonic or Dominic Thiem on Sunday.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Judy Murray urges LTA to create legacy for Jamie and Andy Murry success
-
Comment: Why Juan Martin del Potro is the most likable tennis player on tour
-
-
In search of the next Andy Murray: Leo Azevedo explains his philosophy
-
A to Z of tennis for February: A ‘disrespectful’ Nick Kyrgios and an ‘inhuman’ Novak Djokovic
-
Latest
-
Live Tennis
Wimbledon day one: Follow the action from SW19 with Tennis365’s live scores and results centre here…
Catch the action from Wimbledon with our live scores and results centre…
-
Wimbledon
Iga Swiatek on Wimbledon Centre Court honour and being ‘overwhelmed’ when seeing Serena Williams
Iga Swiatek “proud” to be handed Centre Court honour.
-
Wimbledon
Andy Murray tipped to do some serious damage at Wimbledon as ‘he can beat anybody on grass’
Andy Murray to go far at Wimbledon this year?
-
Wimbledon
Ten Brits who had their 15 minutes in the Wimbledon sun, featuring Marcus Willis, Heather Watson, Kyle Edmund
Sometimes, less fancied Brits have risen to the occasion in front of the Wimbledon home crowd…
-
Wimbledon
Nick Kyrgios to embrace ‘villain role’ against Britain’s Paul Jubb, but slams ‘stupid’ Wimbledon doubles rule
Nick Kyrgios to be wear “black hat” against Phil Jubb, but not so happy about men’s doubles rules.
-
News
Simona Halep on Emma Raducanu ‘inspiring many kids’ in Romania and missing out on Centre Court honour
“Many kids are following her,” says Simona Halep of Emma Raducanu.
-
Wimbledon
Sonay Kartal ready to impress at Wimbledon: ‘I’ve always believed my tennis was Grand Slam level’
Sonay Kartal is one of four British Wimbledon debutants in the singles draws.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon order of play, TV info: What time are Novak Djokovic, Emma Raducanu, Andy Murray playing?
Wimbledon day one TV, streaming, order of play guide.
-
Wimbledon
Serena Williams after ‘rough injury experience’: ‘I didn’t retire. I needed to heal physically, mentally’
After a “rough” injury, everything “just worked out” for Serena Williams to play at Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu ‘to play a like a kid who just loves playing tennis’ as she readies to realise Centre Court ‘dream’
US Open champion has been battling side strain.