Rafael Nadal Withdraws From U.S. Open Tennis Tournament

One of the biggest names in tennis, Rafael Nadal, announced Wednesday morning that he would not be ready to play in the 2012 U.S Open at the end of August in Flushing. Nadal suffered a knee injury during play at Wimbledon, where he was surprisingly bounced in the second round. The decorated Spaniard was forced to pull out of the London Olympics, and he was looking to rest and heal with an eye on the US Open. But Nadal issued a statement indicating he would not be ready, a big blow on the men's side of the draw. Via Eric Bruehl at USOpen.org:

"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. 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 was the runner-up last year, falling to Novak Djokovic in the finals. The US Open was the final major he captured to complete his career slam in 2010. This will be the first time he won't appear in the season's final Slam since 2003.

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