[ChuttyAmult]

I hope he's withdrawing as a precautionary measure and not because of an actual injury.

I'm betting it's precautionary. I think his team realizes he doesn't need that much prep for RG.

[ChuttyAmult]

Who the heck is Pere Riba, and when did he sneak into the top 100?

[RotsLoado]

Seems like the article was just wildly speculating about withdrawal, it gave no source for their fears. Last year, he didn't look that good in practice at Barca and won with no trouble. Bet he plays.

[NumDusthouh]

This is the portion of the article that touches the subject:

Quote:
La próxima semana, si sus rodillas lo permiten, tendrá ante sí el reto de otra defensa, el título del Conde de Godó de Barcelona, antes de afrontar los Masters 1.000 de Roma y Madrid y sobre todo Roland Garros. Nadal avisa: sigue siendo el mejor jugador sobre tierra batida del momento. ¿Y de la historia?
End Quote

Translation:
Next week, if his knees allow him, he will face the challenge of another defense, the title at Conde de Godo De Barcelona, before facing the Master 1000's at Rome and Madrid and above all Roland garros. Nadal (issues a ) warning. I still am the best clay court player of the moment. And history?

End translation

Marca always likes to write this hyperbolic reports. They are saying nothing about a possible withdrawal; they are only mentioning his knees for dramatic effect.

[RotsLoado]

This is the portion of the article that touches the subject:

Quote:
La próxima semana, si sus rodillas lo permiten, tendrá ante sí el reto de otra defensa, el título del Conde de Godó de Barcelona, antes de afrontar los Masters 1.000 de Roma y Madrid y sobre todo Roland Garros. Nadal avisa: sigue siendo el mejor jugador sobre tierra batida del momento. ¿Y de la historia?
End Quote

Translation:
Next week, if his knees allow him, he will face the challenge of another defense, the title at Conde de Godo De Barcelona, before facing the Master 1000's at Rome and Madrid and above all Roland garros. Nadal (issues a ) warning. I still am the best clay court player of the moment. And history?

End translation

Marca always likes to write this hyperbolic reports. They are saying nothing about a possible withdrawal; they are only mentioning his kneed for dramatic effect.

Yeah, the other mention was in the text under the headline, saying Barcelona is in danger because of the knees. But if they had a source, they'd probably mention it

[RotsLoado]

This Andreev-Gasquet match is so messy I just had to turn it off after a few minutes. First set Gasquet in a see-saw tiebreak.

[Almolfuncomma]

This Andreev-Gasquet match is so messy I just had to turn it off after a few minutes. First set Gasquet in a see-saw tiebreak.

Btw, re: Andreev, saw this twitter post. Not sure whether to believe it or not. From @VladasLasitskas:

After this season, Igor Andreev, may retire because of problems with his knees

[whatisthebluepill]

Nadal is officialy out


Rafael Nadal has announced his decision to withdraw from the Barcelona Open BancSabadell – 58th Conde de Godó Trophy, organizers have confirmed. The Mallorcan player will hold a press conference at the tournament, which commenced earlier today, at noon on Tuesday in order to fully explain the reasons behind his decision.

In a message relayed by his communications manager, Rafael Nadal declared, “I am really sorry not to be able to play in Barcelona, more than any other tournament, but this year after the win in Monte Carlo my body is asking me to rest. I repeat that I’m especially sorry not to play there, because I would like it to be understood that it really is that way, because it is played in my club and it is my home tournament. I have said on many occasions that the tennis calendar, specifically the clay court season, is badly structured and my not being able to compete in Barcelona is a consequence of that. I want to extend my thanks in advance to the members of the club, the organizers of the tournament, and all of the fans for their understanding. Tomorrow I will be in Barcelona and will be available for the organizers
http://www.barcelonaopenbancosabadel...x.asp?lang=eng

[RotsLoado]

Nalbandian reportedly out with a hamstring tear (also reportedly out of Rome)

He withdrew last year, too, in the quarters, I think

[RotsLoado]

Nadal is officialy out

http://www.barcelonaopenbancosabadel...x.asp?lang=eng

I take it all back, Marca!