For the first time in 2008, none of the three first classified in the world ranking will compete in the final of any of the nine Masters Series in the circuit in the absence of the event in Paris-Bercy.
Novak Djokovic fell into eighths, Federer and Nadal in the semifinals. Andy Murray, fourth in the world, and Gilles Simon, tenth starting Monday, averted another year the desire of any tournament, a final between the top two rackets in the world. The Madrid tournament will be dismissed from (59-15).
Behind them, David Ferrer and Murray did not spend 65 and 61, respectively. What plans have Nadal and Federer for the final stretch of the season? How to manage your energy low? "In principle I'm going to play in Basel and then we'll see what happens," Federer said after the defeat. "The first goal, to retain the number one until the end of the year, as I have met. The next is to do well in Paris," said Nadal.
Plans for the near future. A his version 'indoor' without having enjoyed the crossing expected.
Despite the huge gap reflected in the ATP list among the top three and the rest, the differences are reduced in the final leg of the course due to a grueling schedule in which the best paying the price of its success to compete more encounters than the rest. Nadal, undisputed king of the year, accumulated 89 games (80-9) in their legs; Federer reaches 71 (58-13), three less than Djokovic this stage, none dares to predict what will happen next month. In any event, Nadal could afford the racket sheathed until the next Open from Australia, in January 2009. Federer could not be dislodged until then. Enough with the Swiss have to look back to control the movements of Djokovic, who in Paris and Shanghai has options to threaten his second position.
Murray said his defeat in the face of the mathematically a Spanish presence in the highest ranking at the conclusion of a season. Juan Carlos Ferrero, number one for eight weeks in 2003, ceded his crown to Roddick in the final tournament, the Masters Cup, then based in Houston. Carlos Moya, two weeks at the helm of the ATP in 1999 after reaching the finals in Indian Wells, also failed to defend his position. Could not even finish among the top 10.
For 22 years, Nadal is the first left-handed in front of classification final since John McEnroe in 1984 and third in the history of the ATP ranking (since 1973). Jimmy Connors, a leader between 1981 and 1984, was the first.
With 344 points advantage over Federer in the Race of Champions, Nadal to him on 44, as the Swiss, even winning three tournaments in which you can still take part-Basel (50), Paris (100) and Shanghai (150) - Add a maximum of 300 points. The Mallorcan, despite the defeat, will overcome the barrier of 7,000 points on the List Ticket.
Therefore, there is no room for disappointment. "Of course not. I've come to Tournament semifinals at the first 'indoor' appreciation. "It was a shame to lose a game like this after a big fight, but I gave it my best. I'm going home happy with myself." Nadal, in contrast to the previous junction Feliciano Lopez, said no infiltration to alleviate their discomfort in his shoulder. "Today I have come across a little better. Also, I can not make a always played with a positive mindset. " treatment every day to hide the injury, "he explained.
Despite improved physical, three hours and 22 minutes of play eventually pass bill. "Both time for a match indoors is durísimo", he acknowledged. "I had many options, but could not be. I have to learn what I did wrong. I have to go a little further on the track and I lost points that you can not lose if you take a victory. Erred tactical and technical, but not me I can blame anything. I