Rafael Nadal to miss US Open with knee injury

Former champion Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the US Open with the knee injury that has kept him out of action since Wimbledon.

The world No 3, who completed his set of grand slams by winning in New York in 2010, was forced to miss the Olympics and the Masters Series events in Toronto and Cincinnati with the injury, and announced yesterday that he is still not ready to 
compete.

Nadal said in a statement: “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.

“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.”

While the announcement will come as a big disappointment to the tournament and Nadal’s many fans, it is not unexpected.

The 26-year-old has not played since his shock second-round defeat by Czech Lukas Rosol in the second round of Wimbledon in June, after which he hinted all was not well.

The US Open begins at Flushing Meadows on 27 August, with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic heading the men’s rankings, while David Ferrer is likely to be elevated to fourth seed.