World No.11 David Goffin has ended his 2018 season early following medical advice after undergoing an examination on his right elbow.
The Belgian has recently been forced to withdraw from tournaments in both Tokyo and Shanghai due to pain in his elbow. The exact problem troubling Goffin is bone edema, which was diagnosed by an MRI Scan. Bone edema is an excessive build-up of fluid around the bone. Rafael Nadal ended his 2016 season with a similar problem, but concerning his left wrist.
“This pain appeared a few weeks ago and it has worsened recently.” Goffin said in a statement. “I now have more information about this injury which is bone edema. I need at least one month to recover so I am sad to announce that I have put to an end my season.”
27-year-old Goffin last played at the Shenzhen Open. In the second round, he suffered a shock loss to three-time grand slam champion Andy Murray. A result that gifted the Brit his most high-profile win since returning to the tour in June following injury. Murray has also ended his season early due to a minor ankle injury and wanting a longer pre-season training period.
Goffin ends the year with a win-loss record of 28-16. It is the first time the Belgian has failed to reach at least one final of the ATP Tour since 2013. His best performances of the year were reaching the semifinals of tournaments in Cincinnati, Barcelona, Rotterdam and Montpellier. This year was also the first time Goffin has failed to reach at least one grand slam quarter-final since 2015. On the other hand, he has scored three wins over top 10 players. Defeating Juan Martin del Potro twice, and Kevin Anderson once.
“I will keep you all updated on my progress. I need to get some rest and treat myself properly in the hope of starting my preparation for next season as soon as possible.” He said.
Goffin has been ranked as high as seventh in the world. He currently has four ATP titles to his name and was runner-up to Grigor Dimitrov at the 2017 season-ending finals in London.
Goffin’s season summary
Australian Open – R2
Montpellier – SF
Rotterdam – SF
Miami – R2
Monte Carlo – QF
Barcelona – SF
Madrid – R3
Rome – QF
French Open – R4
Queen’s – R1
Wimbledon – R1
Washington – QF
Toronto – R1
Cincinnati – SF
US Open – R4
Shenzhen – R2
Some news… pic.twitter.com/IhJdPxbM23
— David Goffin (@David__Goffin) October 3, 2018
