After nearly two months out with a knee injury, Rafael Nadal returns to action with a tough opening test in Paris against last year’s quarter-finalist Fernando Verdasco, who beat Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-4.
Date: October 31, 2018
Match time: Rafa is fourth match on Center Court. Around 4 PM local time / 11 AM EDT – New York, Montreal / 3 PM GMT – United Kingdom / 4 PM CET – Spain, France, Germany, Italy / 2 AM AEDT – Melbourne. To convert to your local time, use this website.
This will be the 20th tour-level meeting between Rafa and Fer in a head-to-head. Our champ leads 16-3, but the last six matches have been split.
GOOD LUCK & VAMOS RAFA!
At his press conference, Rafa said he felt fine practising for a couple of days but then he started to feel something in his abdominal, especially when serving. The doctor advised that he shouldn’t play otherwise the injury would get worse. Disappointing news for us all as Rafa fans, but i’m so relieved that it isn’t a knee problem. Good luck Kevin!
Well this is life. I m heartbroken 😔
😳😣😥🍀
They’ve said it’s an abdominal injury, so it’s not the knee – sounds like he must have done it today. I’m really upset 🙁 .
Hahaha I am relieved honestly. Wasn’t looking forward to lots of grinding out there against the likes of Verdasco. Sad that I don’t get my Rafa fix.
Someone did predict correctly here that Rafa would pull out of this tournament. Please send me an email to collect your prize. Also, I could do with some other insights. Thank you!
I know what you mean, Mac. I did feel that Paris this week would have a negative impact on his knee recovery, and hence WTF / January hard courts. Sometimes Rafa’s minor injuries do come as “blessings in disguise” which stop him interrupting recovery time, and allow him to return fully fit and full of confidence later.
But, like others here, I am also really gutted and sad for him that he won’t get to play this tournament, or hold onto his #1. Still, Djokovic deserves it for the resolve and skill he showed this year. I can only congratulate him.
Am I right that Rafa withdrew literally minutes before he was due on court? His name was still on the schedule this morning, but Malek Jaziri is playing instead so it’s not a walkover for Verdasco. Did Rafa injure himself warming up, or before that and nothing was announced? What a pity though. 😞
Just heard the news that Rafa has pulled out of Paris. Surprisingly, it’s not the knee but a stomach injury. Get well soon Rafa. We want you to start the nexy season fit and fresh.
Stomach injury? What on earth has he been doing!
Abdominal injury, no?
Oooh such a shame. Feel so bad for him.
Watched Djoker last night and he wasn’t in good form. Could have been beaten. Such bad luck, Rafa. Let’s hope the sun starts shining on you again soon.
Rafa good luck you can do it vamosssssssssss champ 🎾🎾🎾🎾👍👍👍👍😘😘😘😘🇺🇸
Good luck on your first match back from injury You can do it Rafa cu in London😍xx
Welcome back and Good luck Rafa today. We’re all routing for you 😗👍❤❤
Welcome back Rafa champ 😍🤗
Good luck 🍀 – VAMOS! 🎾💪🏻😘
Rafa looks like he will have his hands full today. Verdasco is never easy to play. Get it done champ, good luck!
Is it just me or does the Paris court look smaller compared to any other courts? I know it’s the same measurements… It seems smaller to me somehow on the TV.
Good luck and Vamos Rafa. So happy to see you back on the court.
All the best for second round Rafa! One match at a time like we always do. So excited to see you play. Vamos💪💪💪