• US Open

Injured Nadal pulls out of US Open

ESPN staff
August 15, 2012

Rafael Nadal has been forced to withdraw from the US Open after failing to recover from an ongoing knee problem.

The world No. 3, who has not played since his shock defeat to Lukas Rosol in the second round at Wimbledon, missed the defence of his Olympic title with a recurrence of tendonitis in his knees.

He subsequently pulled out of Masters events in Toronto and Cincinnati in a bid to be fit for Flushing Meadows, but will not be ready for the final grand slam of the year, which begins on August 27.

"I am very sad to announce that I am still not ready to play and have to withdraw from this year's US Open in NYC," Nadal said. "I am sorry since I always found great crowds and great support, but I have to continue with my recuperation and preparation to be ready to play in the right conditions."

US Open tournament director David Brewer wished the 2010 champion a speedy recovery.

"Rafa has informed us that he will not be ready to compete at the US Open this year and has withdrawn from the tournament," Brewer said. "We hope to see him back on the court soon and look forward to his return to New York next year."

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