so he's not even going to thailand for his holiday?

i guess being in the balearic islands everday at home is a holiday.

rest well!!

Aww man, the fall season sucks. How many weeks till Shanghai?

Ah! So it seems that what I read in the Times of London last week was correct, in that it indicated that Rafa would be taking a month out to let the abdominal injury heal. I'm not sure why it was indicated as recently as yesterday that he intended to play Thailand, but as I didn't take it seriously I am not feeling put out by today's news in the least.

No doubt the local fans and sponsors will view things differently. But, goodness knows, it's been a stop-start season ever since Rafa played in Rotterdam so soon following AO. Besides, he didn't get to play either Davis Cup or TMC at the end of last season and I am sure he'd love to double up at both this time around - not least as DC is to be played in Spain (Valencia?) - so let's hope he piroritises some rest and is fresh for these two. He can make it up to the Asian fans and sponsors again, especially if he takes the tough decisions without delay.

smart decision

SenorPlaid - fall season will get good in early October, not September

personally, am quite relieved about this, as i was dreading him playing and aggravating his injury even more. glad he's finally being smart and pulling out of tournaments as a precaution. if only he'd done that in madrid...

hope he's rested up and well enough to play in shanghai, masters cup in london and maybe even davis cup too :)

I was on a Rafa forum last night and read that Rafa pulled out of Thailand, but since there was conflicing information and his offical forum hadn't released that information, I decided not to post it.

Now I see that it is official. I must say that I am relieved. Rafa is going to take the time to let his abdominal injury heal fully. That is a good sign. I know he wants to be healthy and strong and ready for some of the upcoming events.

Rafa, you have made a wise choice. We want you all well again. Then you can thrill us all with the kind of tennis that only you can play.

Rafa, I know that this decision to skip Thailand is very disappointing for you. But, like everyone else here, I agree that it is the best decision.

Rafa, take a rest buddy! It won't kill you. I know that it is nearly impossible for you to sit still and not play. You'd rather have your water bottles knocked over.... but you really need to take a break to heal! I am very proud of your decision. I swear, at first I thought I was about to personally fly over when I read that you would be attending Thailand!

You saved me a round trip to Mallorca and hotel accommodations, yet another reason to love you Rafa :D (Hotel accommodations because I know that you wouldn't want me as a house guest when I'm in that kind of a mood. I can be very bossy and persistent. Never give up and try 100%, no? You taught me that :D ).

Wise decision indeed. Get well soon Rafa! Lots of love, well wishes, and support heading your way from all of your fans. Vamos! <3

Everyone is hurting:

Rafael Nadal withdrew from the Thailand Open today, citing the abdominal injury that has been troubling him since the Rogers Cup tournament in Montreal this August.

Via rafaelnadal.com

?I am very disappointed not to be able to play in Bangkok. I was looking forward to this tournament but the injury I have been suffering during the North American summer swing needs to be taken care of. I am really looking forward to playing next year in Thailand where I have a very loyal and big fan base.?

And via the AP:

An ultrasound found that Nadal had an ?acute rupture of his right abdominal muscle? that will require physiotherapy, rest and medication for ?two to three weeks,? the chief doctor of the Spanish Tennis Federation said in a statement released by tournament organizers on Monday.

The Thailand Open runs from Sept. 26-Oct. 4

Rafael Nadal has company in the ATP?s medical ward. The two other guys in the top 3 are also hurting.

Here?s Andy Murray on his wrist injury (via the BBC)

?The pain?s bearable but I need to decide what to do next because it?s such a short turnaround at the end of the year and the preparations for Australia have to be very good because of the conditions so I need to decide when I can fit in a long break.?

?Whether that?s 14 days or longer, you just have to be careful with wrists and not keep playing when there?s something wrong because the problem doesn?t go away.?

Murray said his main goal is to be fit for the World Tour Finals in November.

Roger Federer, who, like Murray, played in Davis Cup this past weekend, says he?s hurting for a holiday (via AP):

?I have to go on holiday badly. I have a problem with my leg, I have a problem with my arm ? everything is hurting. And I?ve got to do some baby-sitting. I?ve been spending a lot of time on the tennis court the last few weeks.?

Roger?s next scheduled tournament is the Tokyo Open, beginning on October 5.