August 15, 2012 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Photo credit: Kenneth B. Goldberg
Rafael Nadal continues to battle with knee tendinitis and has announced his withdrawal from the 2012 U.S. Open. Nadal, who has not played since suffering a second-round exit at Wimbledon at the hands of Lukas Rosol, broke the via Facebook and Twitter.
"I am very sad to announce that I am still not ready to play and have to withdraw from this year’s U.S. Open in NYC," Nadal wrote on his Facebook page. "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. I want to say hi and thanks to all the fans in particular to the New Yorkers. I’ll miss you all this year at the Open!"
Nadal completed his career Grand Slam in 2010 when he won the U.S. Open with a victory over Novak Djokovic. At the 2011 U.S. Open, he was beaten in the finals by Djokovic.
"Rafa has informed us that he will not be ready to compete at the U.S. Open this year and has withdrawn from the tournament," said a statement from U.S. Open Director David Brewer. "We hope to see him back on the court soon and look forward to his return to New York next year."
The U.S. Open begins Aug. 27 and is the final Grand Slam of the season.
