Paris Masters: Rafael Nadal Retires As Novak Djokovic Set Up Final Showdown With Denis Shapovalov

Rafael has forfeited the chance to fight for his third Masters 1000 title of the season after withdrawing from the Paris Masters due to an abdominal injury.

The Spaniard was meant to meet Denis Shapovalov in the semi-finals but announced his withdrawal moment before the match stating that the injury is caused by changes in his service during a practice session.

When asked about the injury, he said: "I have been serving like this during the whole session. it is not a different movement at all. No. That's not an issue in my personal opinion. Last year probably yes when I came here."

"That was the first tournament that I changed the movement on the serve. When you change things this kind of stuff can happen because it is a risk and you involve different muscles."

He added, "When things happen, the only thing you can do is accept it. And even if it's a tough situation for me, I need to stay positive. It has been a negative week at the end because to finish like this is always a negative thing but the rest of the things of the week have been very positive."

Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic defeated Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets, 7-6 (5), 6-4 for his 50th ATP Masters 1000 championship match win.

The world n. 1 and four-time champion set up a final match against Denis Denis Shapovalov.