Nadal withdraws from Paris Masters semi-final

Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Paris Masters, handing Denis Shapovalov a final showdown with Novak Djokovic.

Nadal, who will return to world number one on Monday, had been set to face the Canadian in the semi-final on Saturday.

But the ATP Tour confirmed the Spaniard had pulled out with an abdominal injury sustained during the warm-up.

Nadal said: "In one of the last serves of the warm-ups, I felt something in the abdominal.

"For the rest of the week the things have been positive. I enjoyed a lot playing here in Bercy."

It means Shapovalov will contest his first Masters final, while Djokovic will go in search of a fifth Paris title on Sunday.

Nadal would have secured top spot in the year-end rankings by winning the tournament.

Unfortunately, @RafaelNadal has withdrawn from today's @RolexPMasters semi-final through injury. @denis_shapo advances to the final tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/NZWqVMhde5

— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 2, 2019