Paris, France – Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from next week's Paris Masters.
The current world No. 2 said Thursday he needs take extra time to prepare for the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals from November 20-27.
"It's been a difficult decision to take, but I understand that it is what I need to do right now to prepare well for the end of this season and also for 2012," said Nadal in a statement through the ATP Tour. "I hope I can be back in 2012 to that great event in the most beautiful city in the world, and hopefully try to win it once day."
Nadal has won six French Open titles in Paris, but has never won the Masters event in the city. He lost to David Nalbandian in the 2007 final and was a semifinal loser to Novak Djokovic in his last appearance two years ago.
Russia's Dmitry Tursunov will replace Nadal in the Paris Masters draw.
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