Raonic pulls out of ATP Finals

LONDON – Canadian Milos Raonic withdrew Thursday from his final group match at the ATP Finals in London after suffering a leg muscle tear in a loss this week to Andy Murray.

The player from Thornhill, Ont. reluctantly pulled out of a contest against Japan’s Kei Nishikori, and was replaced in the draw by Spanish substitute David Ferrer.

Raonic, who was 0-2 in group play at the year-end event and hoping for a resurgence against U.S. Open runner-up Nishikori, said he suffered the injury late in the first set on Tuesday as he lost 6-3, 7-6 to Murray.

“At first it felt like cramping but when I got up from a changeover and had to stand, I knew it was something else,” he said.

The Canadian said the tear in his quadriceps muscle measures three by five centimetres and is about a centimetre deep.

“Obviously I feel pessimistic right now,” the 23-year-old said, adding doctors told him playing might risk more damage and cost him up to six weeks of recovery time.

“I had a great time here. it was very different from last year as an alternate,” he said.

“Fortunately I was able to play well in my last event (Paris) to qualify here and give myself opportunities. I wish I could have competed, but it is what it is.”

Raonic said he was looking forward to facing Nishikori, who had won four of their five meetings.

“This experience this week motivates me a lot,” said the No. 8, a Wimbledon semifinalist. “I felt I did pretty well, but know I can do a lot better. My season has been consistent, but I would have liked to have had a few more chances to win big matches.

“I really badly wanted to play, the competition here is about facing the best and being on top of your game.”

It came down to weighing the merits of playing at half-speed and risking further injury or ending his season with prudence, he said.

“It would be unfair to fans if I were to step out there and play a mediocre match all way through or if things got worse and I had to stop.

“The doctors said that if I were to play I’d be walking a tightrope. That was a factor in my decision, I didn’t want to accept it, but I had to listen to the doctors and my team.”