World number two Rafael Nadal has become the latest star to withdraw from the season-ending Masters Cup. The French Open champion has injured his left foot and joins Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt and Marat Safin on the sidelines in Shanghai.
The 19-year-old Spaniard's place was taken by Argentina's Mariano Puerta, this year's French Open runner-up.
But Puerta, called up about an hour before his match started, lost 6-3 7-5 to Argentina's Gaston Gaudio.
Nadal, who missed the end of the season with knee tendonitis, hurt his ankle in winning the Madrid Masters final against Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic in October.
"I had a lot of inflammation in the foot and it's not improving," the Spaniard said.
"Last night I went to hospital for tests and at seven this morning more tests.
"The final decision is my decision but the doctor recommended I didn't play. It's my first Masters so I'm very disappointed.
"I was very excited to play here. It's bad luck, but I hope I can qualify next year for Shanghai."
MMIX
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