Paris, October 31:  Spanish tennis great Rafael Nadal announced on Wednesday that he will not be able to compete at the Paris Masters due to abdominal problems, meaning that the Spaniard will lose the world number one position in the ATP rankings. Nadal confirmed his withdrawal from the tournament at a press conference ahead of his match against his fellow Spaniard, Fernando Verdasco, world No. 27, reports Efe. Novak Djokovic Beats Joao Sousa in Second Round; Bids to Win Record Fifth Title at Paris Masters 2018!

"These days I felt good but I have started to feel some abdominal pain," the 32-year-old "King of Clay," said, noting that his doctor recommended that he not play. With the absence of Nadal from the tournament, Serbian Novak Djokovic, currently, world No. 2, is set to take the top spot of the ATP rankings, to be released on Monday.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 01, 2018 10:04 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).