Both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer participated in the 2012 Qatar Open, but as Friday's competition drew to a close, the final match had been set and neither man ended up being a participant.
Federer pulled out of his semifinal match on Friday against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga due to back spasms, according to the Associated Press via Sports Illustrated. After advancing to the semis by beating Andreas Seppi in three sets on Thursday, Federer was still experiencing back muscle spasms and announced his withdrawal from the tournament 30 minutes prior to the semifinal match. Federer hopes to get treatment and rest in preparation for the Australian Open, which begins on January 16. This is only the second time Federer has ever pulled out of a tournament due to injury.
In an upset on Friday, Rafael Nadal was defeated in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 by Gael Monfils in the other semifinal match. This is only the second time in ten career meetings that Monfils has defeated Nadal, according to the Associated Press.
The No. 6-ranked Tsonga and No. 7-ranked Monfils will face off in the Qatar Open final in an all-French match on Saturday.
For all the latest news and information on tournaments, injuries and everything in between, please visit The Daily Forehand, SB Nation's dedicated tennis blog.
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