Nadal withdraws from Indian Wells semi as Federer walks over to final

A knee injury has forced Rafael Nadal to withdraw from his Indian Wells semifinal clash with Roger Federer, who now walks over to the final.

The withdrawal denies the duo their 39th professional meeting from happening just yet.

World number two, Nadal, received treatment to the knee during his gruelling quarter-final win over Russia’s Karen Khachanov on Friday.

The Spaniard looked in discomfort during the match and only had a brief practice session on Saturday.

Read Also: Rafael Nadal sets up Roger Federer semi-final clash at Indian Wells

“It’s tough for me to accept all these things that I’m going through in my career,” Nadal said.

“I warmed up today and I felt that my knee was not good to compete at the level I needed.

“Sometimes I feel sad because I’m in a disadvantage to all my opponents.”

Nadal and Federer, who have 37 Grand Slam titles between them, have not played each other since 2017.

Swiss Federer will now play either Austria’s Dominic Thiem or Milos Raonic of Canada in the final of the BNP Paribas Open on Sunday.

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