Nadal Withdraws From Pre-Wimbledon Event

Rafael Nadal has pulled out of a pre-Wimbledon event citing a knee injury.  His doctors have advised him to rest and I’m guessing he’s taking it seriously after a shocking exit from the 2009 French Open last weekend.

Nadal will miss the tune-up at the Queen’s Club, which he won last year (followed by his first Wimbledon win).  He had the following to say about this turn of events:  "I am very disappointed to not be able to come this year to Queen’s [and] defend the title I won last year. To play in London has always been special for me, to play at the Queen’s Club is an honor and the fans in the UK are among the best I have ever seen, always supporting me since the first time I played there. 

I have been having some problems in the past months with my knees, that’s no secret, that did not allow me to compete always at 100 percent. I need to work with my team to recover well, work on my physical condition to be at my top form and get ready for the grass to play at Wimbledon. I hope I can be ready to compete by then. I am really sorry and I hope that the people at the tournament will still want me to come next year."

I’m sure he won’t lose his invitation to next year’s even due to his withdrawal – he’s one of the hottest names out on the court right now.  The highly regarded tennis player has won five titles this year and I’m sure after a brief rest, he will be back to his normal self.

image: TSN