Knee Injury Prevents Rafael Nadal From Competing in W&S Open

Written by: Staff on 10th August 2012

Knee Injury Prevents Rafael Nadal From Competing in W&S Open

epa03282448 Rafael Nadal of Spain serves to Thomaz Bellucci of Brazil during their first round match for the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in London, Britain, 26 June 2012. EPA/ANDY RAIN |

An ongoing knee injury that forced Rafael Nadal to miss both the Olympics and this week’s Rogers Cup will prevent the Spaniard from competing in next week’s Western & Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason.

Today on Facebook, Nadal posted this message: “Hi all, another message to announce something that definitely doesn’t make me happy but unfortunately I won’t be competing at the tournament in Cincinnati next week. I am still not ready to play. I have many fans in Cincy and unforgettable moments such as 2008. I am continuing with my recup and practice. Thanks.”

Nadal is the only member of the ATP World Tour Top 10 who will not be competing in Cincinnati. Defending champion and Olympic gold medalist Andy Murray headlines a field that also includes four-time Western & Southern Open champion Roger Federer, three-time finalist Novak Djokovic and Americans Andy Roddick, Mardy Fish and John Isner.

“We’re certainly disappointed that Rafa won’t be able to play in Cincinnati this year. He’s one of the great competitors in the sport and he will be sorely missed. We wish him well in his recovery and hope to see him back on the courts soon,” said tournament director Vince Cicero. “We are very excited about the line-up of stars from both the ATP World Tour and the WTA who will be coming to Cincinnati and are looking forward to the tournament getting underway this weekend.”

Olympic gold medalist Serena Williams headlines the women’s field that includes nine of the Top 10 WTA players. Defending champion Maria Sharapova, reigning US Open Champion Samantha Stosur, and seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams are also among the entrants in the 2012 event.

Main draw play for the ATP tournament begins Sunday, August 12, while the WTA event begins Monday. Qualifying for both Emirates Airline US Open Series events begins on Saturday, August 11.

The complete player lists as well as ticket information for the Western & Southern Open can be found online at www.cincytennis.com.

Topics: Andy Roddick, Cincinnati tennis news, John Isner, knee injury Nadal, Mardy Fish, Novak Djokovic, Olympic tennis, Rafael Nadal, Rogers Cup 2012, Sports, tennis injuries, Tennis News, Western & Southern Open