Rafael Nadal Out of London Olympics

Written by: Staff on 19th July 2012

Rafael Nadal Out of London Olympics

epa01448802 Rafael Nadal of Spain in action during the Men's Singles Semifinal tennis match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the Beijing Olympic Green Tennis Central Court for the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, 15 August 2008. Nadal won 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 EPA/SRDJAN SUKI |

(Original Story: http://www.atpworldtour.com/news/tennis/2012/07/features/london-olympics-nadal-pulls-out-with-injury.aspx)

Reigning Olympic champion Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the London Games due to tendinitis in the knee.

“I am not in [a] condition to compete in the London Olympics and therefore will not travel as planned with the Spanish delegation to take part in the games,” said Nadal in a statement.

“I have to think about my companions, I can’t be selfish and I have to think of what’s best for Spanish sport… and give fellow sportsmen with better preparation the chance to compete. I tried to hurry my preparations and training to the very last minute, but it was not to be.”

“It is one of the saddest days of my career. You can imagine how difficult it was to take this decision.”

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The 26-year-old Nadal was set to carry the Spanish flag at the opening ceremony in London.

He beat Fernando Gonzalez for the singles gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Nadal has not competed since a Wimbledon second round loss to World No. 100 Lukas Rosol last month.

©Daily Tennis News Wire

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